School district policies: School districts may have different policies about when middle school begins. Some districts start middle school in sixth grade, while others start it in seventh or eighth grade.
Grade configuration: The grade configuration of a school may also affect whether sixth grade is considered middle school or elementary school. Some schools have K-8 grade configurations, while others have K-5 or 6-8 grade configurations. In a K-8 school, sixth grade would be considered elementary school, while in a 6-8 school, it would be considered middle school.
Curriculum and instruction: The curriculum and instruction in a sixth-grade classroom may also be a factor in whether it is considered middle school or elementary school. In some schools, sixth-graders take more rigorous academic classes and are taught by different teachers for different subjects, similar to middle school. In other schools, sixth-graders take a less rigorous curriculum and are taught by the same teacher for all subjects, similar to elementary school.
Social and emotional development: The social and emotional development of sixth-graders may also be considered when determining whether they should be in elementary or middle school. Some sixth-graders may be ready for the more challenging academic and social environment of middle school, while others may still need the support and structure of elementary school.