5 Motivation Tips for Online Middle School Students

June 4, 2025

Middle school is a crucial time in a young learner’s life, and an era of momentous personal and academic changes. It is also a transitional period when students move from recess and play dates to competitive sports teams and high school prep. Whether a child studies at a brick-and-mortar institution or an online middle school, this shift is a time of tremendous growth. 

Motivation is essential for online middle school students' success, and it has a powerful influence on learning outcomes. Students have a better chance of succeeding when they set goals, receive positive detailed feedback, and are driven and engaged. 

Dwight Global Online School—an established and highly ranked online school for students in grades 6-12—knows how to motivate and nurture students so they thrive. 

Below are five tips for motivating online middle school students.

Build a Schedule

In a traditional school setting, routine is born out of necessity. The school day and after-school activities are structured around classes. One of the benefits of online middle school is its flexibility. At Dwight Global, students can design a schedule that best meets their needs and lifestyle. 

For example, a student who is a star athlete may choose to train in the morning and study in the afternoon. A budding performing artist or musician may need to schedule classes and study time around evening rehearsals, lessons, auditions, and performances. A student who learns best in the morning can reserve that time to study, and take classes later in the day. The flexibility of online school increases motivation because students can fit more of what they enjoy into each day, and succeed doing it. 

Dwight Global’s emphasis on a personalized education is an especially effective motivator for developing adolescents. 

“At Dwight Global, middle school students engage in an academically robust program where they are encouraged to collaborate, think critically and independently, and apply their knowledge to the world around them,” said Dwight Global’s Head of Middle School Sara Crucet. 

“Our Middle School deans are there to support students every step of the way as they balance the unique nature of their schedule and navigate their classes. Every aspect is highly individualized, ” she said.

Make Time to Play

One of the biggest deterrents to student success is burnout. It is vital for a middle schooler to get adequate rest, relaxation, and time to play, and to work these into a student’s schedule. Visits with a friend, a family hike, or a simple board game will provide balance and motivate a student to regroup before heading back for the next study period or class. When an online middle school student knows that breaks are a regular part of everyday life, they will feel more motivated to get schoolwork finished in a timely manner.

Express Detailed Positive Feedback

Wise parents provide detailed feedback to their children about their academics and personal goals. When an online middle school student earns an excellent grade on a math test, parents can celebrate the effort in addition to the grade. Emphatic expressions such as: "You studied so hard for that test!” will encourage students to use those same study skills for future challenges.  

For a creative piece of artwork, for example, a parent can point out how the vibrant colors illuminate the canvas. A detailed description can highlight the parent’s impression while underscoring the validation that growing children often seek. Parents can also encourage positive character traits, such as integrity and determination, along with external successes like grades and other achievements.

Create a Physical Work Space and Put Work on Display

Ensuring middle school students have a designated, physical work space where they can sit and work quietly is an important aspect of transitioning from elementary level classes. Gather all the items students need for each class, and store them in a place where they will be handy when needed. Studying and learning is facilitated greatly by a physical workspace.

Supportive parents can celebrate the latest successful test by discussing it at the next meal, framing artwork, or reading student poems or short stories out loud.  These actions demonstrate a parent’s value in the academic and creative process, and appreciation for the improvements being made in a student’s online education. These are simple – yet effective – strategies for motivating online middle school students for the next assignment.

Encourage Goal Setting

In the workplace, adults are often encouraged to set goals. Online middle school students facing a challenging curriculum can be motivated by the same recommendation. When a middle schooler has small, attainable goals to work toward, they will feel motivated throughout the school year.

Learn More About Online Middle School

To learn more about top online middle school programs, contact Dwight Global today to attend a virtual open house or speak with an admissions advisor.