The differences between middle school and junior high school:

Junior High
1.
2.

Subject-centered
Emphasis is on cognitive
development
3. Organizes teachers in subjectbased departments
4. Traditional instruction
dominates

Middle School
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

5.

6.
7.

Six to eight class periods per

day

6.

Provides academic classes

7.

Offers study hall and/or

homeroom
8. Classrooms arranged randomly
or by subject or grade level

8.

Student-oriented
Emphasis is on both cognitive
and affective development
Organizes teachers and students
in interdisciplinary teams
Experiential approaches to
instruction
Allows for block and flexible
scheduling
Provides exploratory, academic,
and nonacademic classes
Offers advisor/advisee,
teacher/student opportunities
Team classrooms in close
proximity