The Great Divide: 9th Graders Compare Middle and High School
August 28, 2025 2025-11-30 0:05The Great Divide: 9th Graders Compare Middle and High School
by: Anaiya Patel
As 9th graders begin to adapt to their new environment, their high school experience is often compared to their middle school years in the past. It is an infamous ongoing battle between the pros and cons of high school versus middle school. As Giovanni DePani (9) traverses through his first year of high school he stated, “Because of IA’s three separate floors, it makes it harder to get to class on time and takes more work.” Walking back and forth, up and down, to get to class can be tolling on the body and requires extra work. Especially so because his middle school (Haynes Bridge) only had one floor. Giovanni also states, “I prefer 8 classes to 10 and 50 mins to 80 per class.” In his old school, he had longer classes on top of more classes, however even though his schedule is suitable to his liking, he misses band. Every school has their ups and downs, for Giovanni it’s a mix of emotions from his schedule to the organization.
Change is hard. So as one would expect, changing schools would be hard not only on the body but mind as well. The question here is whether high school is truly significantly different than middle school or if it’s simply the fact that growing up changes a person. Hanae Ettayebi (9) states, “She likes virtual (French) because you don’t have a teacher staring at you.” It can be difficult to become accustomed to a new school especially switching from in person learning to taking a language online but it seems for Hanae it preferred compared to her middle school(Amana Academy). As she settles into IA, she tries her best to overcome challenges. She states, “I miss having lockers and I wish we could use the elevators more freely.”
Students grow to learn and explore different sides of IA and all it has to offer. As 9th graders adjust to their new environment and life, missing the past can vary depending on your experiences. This is not the case for Sourabhi Saha (9) as she states, “I like how any work I don’t do, I can catch up during virtual. No matter what class, as long as I keep up with my virtual work.” Sourabhi loves extra freedom and independence. She also states, “I love the vending machine although it needs restocks.” When attending new schools, you realize what you like and don’t, it may take time, or you may figure it out right away. Either way, eventually you’ll find your own path and place.
In the beginning, students begin to notice details that differ from their old school. One of the most noticeable differences for Aiden Liu (9) between IA and his middle school (River Trail) was the overall size of the building. He states, “The auditorium is big and nice, the seats are comfortable.” As he continues attending IA he is able to relish in the high school experience and find what works best for him and his interests. He states, “The decorations of the Exchange are detailed and pretty.” Overtime, 9th graders become familiar with their new environment and come to terms with its flaws and benefits as all schools are unique.
