Middle school students experience more independence as they begin to transition between classes.  Students start learning and practicing executive functioning skills such as organizing, planning, and prioritizing; starting tasks and staying focused on them to completion; understanding different points of view; regulating emotions; and self-monitoring.
 
Middle school students also learn more about themselves, how they learn, and how to advocate for their needs.  In middle school, transition readiness also becomes more of a focus, as some students prepare to move on to high school outside of Star. Assistive Technology is integrated into the middle school curriculum to assist the students with accessing their academics and teaching them differentiated ways of learning which they will continue to utilize in all areas of their life.
 
Teachers and counselors work with students to better understand the changes they’re experience at this age—both physically and emotionally—and they are provided with emotional support and opportunities to express anxieties and concerns.