Online Middle School vs. Traditional Middle School

May 3, 2024

As educators, parents, and school psychologists are aware, the middle school years are critically important for pre-teen children, whose brains are rapidly developing. 

After years spent in elementary schools with one primary teacher and one primary classroom, suddenly students at both online and brick and mortar middle schools must transition to changing classrooms, with a different teacher for each class.

No matter where middle school students go to school, during the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, students are developing academic and social skills, learning behavioral appropriateness, and exploring new talents and passions. 

To address these vital foundational skills and accomplishments in a new and innovative way, many middle school parents are weighing the advantages of online schooling. 

Parents and students at Dwight Global Online School have been pleased that their private online middle school has tremendous benefits and advantages, among them scheduling flexibility, personalized instruction, time management skill building, global perspective, and self-discovery for students. 

What can parents expect from an online middle school?

The best online middle schools will have a strong curriculum, program, standards, and requirements, just as an excellent brick and mortar school does.

At the established and highly respected Dwight Global Online School, 6-8th graders are part of a middle school curriculum that is rigorous, imaginative, and interdisciplinary. Students take world language, English, social studies, science, mathematics, and a variety of electives. 

Students at Dwight Global learn in faculty-led seminars, in one-on-one Oxford-style tutorial sessions, and in breakout sessions with other students.

A stellar online middle school encourages and inspires students to:

• excel in their studies and personal growth 

• make ethical decisions

• grow in social and emotional learning

• look at the world with a global perspective

• collaborate with peers and teachers 

• join with others in building a better world

• apply what they learn to real-world situations

• respond to challenges with optimism, creativity, and an open mind

• enthusiastically and empathetically pursue learning throughout their lives

“Students in grades 6-8 are welcomed into our vibrant and supportive online community where they are encouraged to develop their passion for learning,” said Head of Dwight Global’s Middle School Sara Crucet.  

“Our online education affords students the opportunity to think critically and apply their knowledge to the world around them, building essential self-management, communication, and thinking skills that prepare them for Upper School. With our unique college-style schedule, students also have the flexibility to pursue their sparks of genius outside of school, travel with family, join Dwight School trips around the globe, and discover new interests through a robust offering of extra-curricular activities,” Crucet said.

Dwight Global, which enrolls students in grades 6-12, was ranked #2 in the Americas by Newsweek in online high schools, is an independent school with a history of academic excellence, faculty experienced in online learning, high graduation rates, impressive test scores, and successful college placements worldwide.

At Dwight Global, parents can expect:

• Faculty are experienced in online teaching 

• A customized curriculum that includes live, synchronous experiences

• Courses augmented by online social and academic opportunities

• Academic support  

• After-school clubs and extracurricular activities 

• Student leadership opportunities

• In-person opportunities available at Dwight’s campuses around the world.

Opportunities for social interaction

Social and emotional growth is a key component of any middle school. Each Dwight Global middle schooler is a member of a small weekly advisory group, which meets with a faculty member to discuss a wide range of topics. 

Middle schoolers also participate in clubs, a house system, and student council under the leadership of Dean of Student Life Paul Roncone. After school clubs and school trips are many and varied.The best online middle schools offer plenty of opportunity for social interaction with peers and faculty, and provide emotional learning that is central to a student’s education.

“I find many opportunities to make friends when assigned group projects,” said Dwight Global 8th grader Lili Fujigamori.  “I tend to meet with my partners outside of classes, which allows me to socialize and build connections with them. Additionally, being part of clubs greatly benefits me in making friends. I have established numerous relationships with classmates and I was able to meet two of them in-person!”

Opportunities to meet in person

Dwight Global also provides opportunities for middle school students to travel to the other Dwight campuses: London, Dubai, Seoul, Shanghai, and New York City, and to interact with their peers from around the world. Each fall, an in-person orientation is held at Dwight’s New York campus, and later in the academic year, students meet in-person for STEAM weekend.

By the end of middle school, students navigate school with more confidence and independence. They possess increased time management skills, and explore their passions and interests with greater focus. 

Students are also well prepared to make a seamless transition to the high school of their choice -- whether they decide to remain learning online, or head to a brick and mortar high school.

Middle school is a time of growth and change for young teens, and the best online schools can offer options and solutions that have previously rarely been available. 

For more information about middle school placement, contact Dwight Global today.