Transition FAQs
History & Context
After extensive study in 2019, RISD made the decision in 2020 to adopt a middle school instructional model with students in grades six, seven and eight attending middle schools, and students in grades Pre-K through grade five attending elementary schools. The academic and social/emotional benefits for students in a middle school model are numerous; and only about 5% of Texas school districts still use the junior high model.
In 2024-25, sixth graders in the Lake Highlands learning community will be the first to transition to a middle school model as a result of construction work in the 2021 bond. Lake Highlands was selected based on the age, condition, and renovation needs of the junior high buildings in Lake Highlands. During the 2021 bond planning process, RISD did not have the capacity to extensively renovate all eight junior highs without significantly raising the debt service property tax rate.
As stated during 2021 bond planning and community information meetings, phase two of the middle school transformation in RISD’s other three learning communities is intended to be included in the district’s next bond package, tentatively planned for 2026. Therefore, sixth graders in the Berkner, Pearce and Richardson communities would transition to middle schools if that bond is approved by voters and after construction is complete.
- State of Texas curriculum (TEKS) alignments, as nearly all Texas school districts use K-5 and 6-8 TEKS.
- Expanded opportunities for sixth grade students in academics, fine arts and athletics.
- Accelerated opportunities in other areas, including CTE programming and sequencing.
- Targeted student need and support for high school would start earlier, providing an opportunity and foundation for greater success.
- Schools serving students in grades 6-8 is more age-appropriate and relevant for students than the current PK-6 model in which students can be at substantially different stages of academic and social needs.
- Dallas ISD (core model of 6-8 middle schools)
- Denton ISD
- Duncanville ISD
- Desoto ISD
- Frisco ISD
- Garland ISD
- Grand Prairie ISD
- Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
- Irving ISD
- Lewisville ISD
- Mesquite ISD
- Plano ISD
- Rockwall ISD (also transitioning to 6-8)
Academic Programming and Curriculum
Incoming Students
Both Forest Meadow and Lake Highlands middle schools will hold events in the spring semester for incoming students and parents to become familiar with their new campuses, begin to learn general middle school processes and expectations, and meet their new principals and support staff. Because construction of Lake Highlands Middle School will not be completed until the summer, their incoming student events will initially be held in the current Lake Highlands Junior High building. Once construction of LHMS is complete, incoming families will have an opportunity to visit and tour the new building before school starts.
Current 5th and 6th grade families in Lake Highlands will receive more information directly from their feeder middle school about times and dates of these spring opportunities.
Athletics and Fine Arts
- Band, Choir, Orchestra, or Art
- Starting in 7th grade, students can also choose to participate in theater
- Pre-athletics is a class choice and takes place during the school day
- The class is a great opportunity to help prepare students for successful participation in the middle school athletic programs that begin in 7th grade
- Pre-athletics will provide a preview of upcoming UIL sports in which students will be eligible to participate as 7th graders, and focus on fundamental skills and conditioning
- The UIL (state governing body that oversees athletics) does not permit school-organized athletic competitions in 6th grade
Student Enrollment and Transfers
Yes – students from all four learning communities are eligible to apply to RISD junior high magnet programs. In the case of 6th graders in the Lake Highlands learning community starting in 2024-25, students would attend middle school for their 6th grade year and then a magnet junior high starting in 7th grade.
Likewise, any RISD family may apply to one of RISD’s three elementary magnet schools in advance of any school year, including their 6th grade year. Any RISD family may also request a transfer to a non-magnet elementary school in advance of any school year. District transfer guidelines apply to all transfer requests.
Course Selection
In the second semester of their 5th grade year, RISD counselors will guide students and families through 6th grade course options and families will make choices.
Safety & Security
Middle schools will utilize the same safety and security protocols as existing junior highs. That includes a full time Dallas or Richardson police school resource officer assigned to each middle school. A full complement of safety and security equipment, protocols, and support will be in place at each middle school.
For more information on campus security, including parent FAQs, please visit the Safety & Security website.