When did junior high schools emerge?

Junior high schools first emerged in the United States in the late 19th century as a way to address the changing needs of students transitioning from elementary to high school. Prior to this, most students attended a traditional eight-year grammar school before moving on to a four-year high school. However, as the curriculum of high schools became more rigorous and specialized, it became clear that students needed additional preparation before they were ready for the demands of high school coursework.

In response to this need, some school districts began experimenting with establishing separate intermediate schools for students in grades 7 and 8. These schools were designed to provide a bridge between elementary and high school, with a focus on preparing students for the more challenging academic environment of high school. The first junior high school is generally considered to be the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, Illinois, which opened its doors in 1896.

The concept of junior high schools quickly gained popularity across the United States, and by the early 20th century, they had become a standard feature of the American educational system. In many school districts, junior high schools serve students in grades 6, 7, and 8, while in others they include grades 7 and 8 only. Today, there are over 12,000 junior high schools in the United States, serving millions of students each year.