What is a K-8 Center?
K-8 Centers are configured to include students from Kindergarten through grade eight. The K-8 Center offers a tightly aligned curriculum for grade six through eight students that may include, in addition to the traditional core academic subjects, required foreign language for all students and an integrated subject alignment infusing technology, career path skills, real world projects, ethics, and character development. A K-8 Center middle grade experience is not meant to be the equivalent of a traditional middle school environment. The range of electives, honors, and high school level courses available at the traditional middle school may be limited at a K-8 Center because of the smaller number of students in grades six through eight. Physical education and athletics may also be limited.

Parental Choice
The parents of all students enrolled in grade five or six at an established K-8 Center shall choose to allow their children to continue at the K-8 Center or to enroll them in the traditional middle school that has been designated as an option.

Current K-8 Centers in Miami-Dade County
72 fully implemented.
1 in the proposal process
13 K-8 charter schools

The Research
Transitions tend to be difficult for some students. The K-8 Center eases the transition to grade 6. K-8 Center students appear to have some academic advantage over middle school students in grades 6 through 8. The difference pretty much disappears by the time both groups reach grade 9 in senior high, but some small advantage may exist for the K-8 Center students, assuming that they are able to take algebra by grade 8.

K-8 Conversion Process
Feasibility Worksheet
Invitation to propose
Proposal (Form 6811)
K-8 Center Technical Committee
K-8 Center Administrative Committee
School Board vote
Scheduling for construction

Questions
School Choice and Parental Options:
Enid Weisman, Assistant Superintendent, 305 995-7260

Schools of Choice:
Lois Lee, District Director, 305 995-7345
Dr. Sherri Futch-James, Executive Director, 305 995-7345