Next year, our school is expecting a much larger sixth-grade class than we’ve seen in the past, and it has people wondering about how this will impact student life. As a campus that combines both middle and high school students, the increase in sixth grade students could bring many changes. 

With more students coming in, we’re likely to see a lot more diversity in the classrooms. This means more perspectives during discussions and group projects, which can make learning more interesting. But it also means teachers will have to work harder to connect with everyone since not all students learn the same way. It’ll be important for them to find ways to support all the different learning styles.

A bigger class could also lead to some challenges. Class sizes might grow, which could mean less one-on-one time with teachers. Areas like hallways could also get more crowded. However, Episcopal does a good job of keeping sixth grade a bit more separated, while they get acclimated to the campus.

All in all, the larger sixth-grade class is a mixed bag. While it brings exciting opportunities for a richer school experience, it also means we need to be ready to tackle some challenges. If our school can manage this growth well, we can create a welcoming environment for everyone, no matter how many students are in the hallways.

Image courtesy of Ashlyn Bush ’27.