* The setting: You're in a classroom in a building specifically designated as a middle school (grades 6-8 in the US, though this varies by country).
* The age of your classmates: Most of the students are around 11-14 years old.
* The subjects: You're taking classes like math, science, English, social studies, and possibly electives like art, music, or a foreign language. The curriculum will be more advanced than elementary school but less specialized than high school.
* The teachers: You'll have multiple teachers, each specializing in a particular subject, unlike elementary school where one teacher often handles most subjects.
* The structure: The school day is likely organized into periods or blocks of time dedicated to different subjects. You'll have a schedule and move between classrooms.
* The social dynamics: You'll likely experience a mix of social dynamics, including increased independence, peer pressure, and the beginnings of more complex social relationships.
If you experience most or all of these characteristics, you're likely in a middle school class.