The middle year of middle school brings increased homework, and the start of the high school choice process (see below).
Seventh grade is the first year students can compete in sports for the middle school teams.
Eighth grade is the year students choose a high school within the Downcounty Consortium (DCC). The purpose of the DCC (which includes Montgomery Blair, Einstein, Wheaton, Kennedy and Northwood High Schools) is to allow students more opportunities to choose programs that interest them. This is also the time to look at high school IB and magnet programs. Pay close attention to materials sent home throughout the year concerning informational meetings, open houses at each school and deadlines for forms. The PTA will host a panel discussion of students and parents from each of the high schools at the October meeting. Go to the DCC website for more information.