* Science Classes: Biology, Earth Science, and possibly Physical Science are crucial. Focus on understanding the fundamentals of living organisms, ecosystems, and the scientific method.
* Math Classes: Strong math skills are essential for analyzing data and understanding statistical analyses frequently used in research.
* English/Language Arts: Effective communication is vital for writing research papers, presenting findings, and collaborating with other scientists.
* Optional but Helpful: Classes focusing on observation skills (like art or photography) and possibly introductory computer science (for data analysis) could be beneficial.
In short, focus on excelling in your core science and math classes in middle school. Develop a love of learning and strong study habits. These are the most important steps you can take toward any future scientific career, including primatology. Your high school and college choices will then allow you to specialize further.