Gilbert schools introduce sixth-graders to junior high

Gilbert Public Schools has introduced sixth-grade students to junior high campuses through Level Up, a district initiative designed to familiarize students with academics, routines and programs they will encounter in seventh grade.

Junior high and middle schools across the district hosted visits in late January from elementary students, offering tours of campuses, classroom visits and lunch in junior high cafeterias. The visits are intended to help students become comfortable navigating secondary school environments before the start of the next school year.

During the visits, students are welcomed by school staff and student groups, including bands, orchestras and cheer teams, and hear from school administrators about campus expectations and opportunities. For many students, the experience marks their first time on a secondary campus.

“Level Up is so exciting, and it’s an amazing way to get students familiar with and have pride in their school before they attend,” said Clarissa O’Bryant, a parent of a future South Valley Junior High student.

She said the event helped her daughter feel more comfortable about the transition to junior high.

The program also introduces students to academic and extracurricular options available throughout the district, including honors courses, performing arts programs, sports-focused offerings and specialized pathways such as International Baccalaureate. Students are able to see how different programs align with their interests and academic goals.

“Level Up gives students a chance to see what’s next after elementary school and experience what junior high will really be like,” said Laura Helt, head of Gilbert Accelerated Middle School. “By spending time on campus, meeting students and staff, and seeing a day in the life of the school, they leave feeling more comfortable about the move to junior high or middle school.”

In addition to the campus visits, Gilbert Public Schools provides families with access to a districtwide course database. The online resource allows students and parents to review courses offered at each junior high and middle school, including course descriptions, prerequisites and academic pathways.

District officials said the combination of in-person visits and online planning tools is intended to support families as students prepare for the transition to junior high.

Keywords: Gilbert Public Schools, Level Up, junior high, sixth grade, student transition, middle school programs