Middle School Vs High School

Despite bearing some minor similarities, the differences between middle school and high school significantly impact the ultimate experiences in each educational stage. Both stages require some amount of effort in order to continue through each grade. An obvious similarity would be that the classes offered are also accompanied by a variety of teachers. Furthermore, students will encounter many passionate teachers who genuinely want to see them succeed; however, the chance of encountering a terrible teacher whom does not display decent and effective qualities is possible. Aside from the academic perspective, middle and high school students have opportunities to go outside classroom expectations through extra curricular activities and volunteer …show more content…
While social events, such as dances, are common in middle school and high school, the significance and time put into them differs. An occasional Halloween dance may be held for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in which the social awkwardness or timidity holds them back from talking to others. In fact, one could picture the dances as a battle ground between two groups that are about to interact with one another. However, dances are not a violent and the girls and boys naturally separate and gravitate to the sides of small gym the dance is in; only the brave souls from each group dare enter no “man’s” land, the dance floor, where talking to the opposite sex becomes an accomplishment that raises them to a “cool” status. In addition, middle school lacks traditional dances compared to high school. Homecoming, prom, and winter formal are dances typically seen in all high schools, whether it being a public or private institution. The excitement and anticipation leading to these dances comes from the significant preparation prior to the dance. Girls in particular love finding the perfect dress to wear, planning the dinner, and capturing the memories by taking pictures with their friends. The grandeur of decorations and the size of location also reflects the greater regard social events are held in high school than in …show more content…
Maintaining ones grades are typically expected in both educational stages yet is most emphasized throughout high school. Although it ranges from student to student, grades in middle school are typically simple letters on report cards. This mentality stems from the fact that the government requires all children to attend high school and the ease of acceptance of public institutions do not push students to become competitive; therefore, students’ responsibilities usually depreciate. However, the weight of responsibilities towards grades can change once students enter high school. As courses increase in difficulty, students come to learn the importance of grades. Grades are not only seen as more significant, but also become a form of pride for students. Furthermore, contrary to high school being required for everyone, college is not a path for all high school students in which institutions do not accept all applicants; hence, students’ competitiveness increases, which usually means more effort is put into achieving the best grades possible. In addition to grade expectations, time management becomes a responsibility that is vital to success in high school, opposed to its importance in middle school. With the limited extra curricular activities, smaller homework loads, and less