The transition from middle school to high school is enormous. Going to a new, bigger school, having new teachers, and mixing in with kids from other middle schools can be very intimidating. But, the biggest change of all is an eighth grader goes from being king of the middle school to being a bottom of the food chain as a freshman. What can middle school students do to get themselves ready for high school and make this transition smoother? Some students register in high school classes as eighth graders, enrolling at MHS for one hour to take the class, and then go back to their middle school for the rest of the school day.

This procedure was started a number of years ago, and the amount of middle school students in freshmen classes varies from year to year. The eighth graders are recommended to be in these classes by their middle school teachers, explained Scott Riggs, who teaches the only freshmen class that middle school students may take at Milford High, Honors Geometry. Most of these eighth graders come over toMilfordfromMuirMiddle School.

“Taking a high school class as a middle schooler is a great way to ease into the high school atmosphere and form bonds with ninth grade students,” said Riggs. “And of course, you get to experience wonderful Honors Geometry,” he added.

 Some high school level classes are available to the young students at their own middle schools, too. Design, Algebra, and Spanish I are all offered at Muir Middle School, allowing some middle school students to enter MHS already having some high school credit.

Freshman Sam Jaklic took Honors Geometry in Riggs’ class last year as an eighth grader. Jaklic took a bus to Milford High School in the morning before first hour began, and was one of five middle school students in the class. After first hour, the eighth graders took a bus back to Muir Middle School in time for their second hour class.

It took some time for Jaklic and the other middle school students to adjust to having a class with high school freshman. “On the first day it was really weird because none of the freshmen knew me. It just felt like me and my friends didn’t belong in the class. This feeling was emphasized by the fact that we were in a new school that we didn’t know, surrounded by things and people we didn’t know,” said Jaklic. Over time, Jaklic and his middle school friends grew more comfortable with the freshmen and didn’t mind being in the class.

“I think taking a high school class early helped me because now that I’m a “freshie”, I know more about the school and where I’m going between my classes. I also know more about the bell schedule and what the different bells mean,” said Jaklic.

The eighth graders have different reasons for deciding to take the challenging Honors Geometry course. “It (Honors Geometry) seemed like a challenge and I had the opportunity to go above the “norm”,” explained Muir middle school student Olivia Adams. Many of the other eighth graders agree with Adams in that this is one of the first times they have been challenged in school.

“I would recommend others to take high school classes as a middle schooler because it helps you get some of your high school credit, gives you more options for the future, and helps you understand what high school’s really like,” said eighth grader Kira Haag.

The students who decide to take Honors Geometry as eighth graders are looking to acquaint themselves with their future high school, along with further challenging themselves in school to be the best students they can be.

Math Teacher Scott Riggs teaches his Honors Geometry class, which includes several eighth graders who come over from Muir Middle school to take a more advanced class.