As the 2024–25 school year comes to an end, ninth graders prepare to leave behind the middle school campus and move to the upper school. This transition is something students can look forward to, as it provides a change of scenery and a more proper transition between middle school and high school.
A new environment can break the monotony of daily work, leading to improved well-being and a more positive atmosphere for students. According to the National Library of Medicine, working environments are linked to mental health. Because the switch to the upper school allows students to learn on a completely new campus, it can positively impact student mental health—a crisis in which action is urgently needed.
“I’m definitely sad to be leaving the middle school, as it’s been my home for three years, but I’m also excited for the upper school campus,” said Michelle Minikes ’28.
Current ninth graders say they are looking forward to various aspects of the upper school, including the library, increased freedom, and the overall campus environment.
“It feels more like a school,” said new ninth grader, Levi Osman ’28.
The campus change gives students a new setting. Although ninth graders are already in high school, the separation between campuses creates a more traditional high school experience—akin to what is often portrayed in TV shows and movies.
Aside from a wider selection of classes and possibly a higher level of academic rigor, few elements of the student experience change between ninth and 10th grade. Therefore, the shift in campuses helps reinforce the sense of transition from middle to high school.
Even students who have only spent one year at Harvard-Westlake are excited about the move.
“As a new ninth grader, you’re on campus for one year, and [the switch] feels more random,” Osman said. “It’s a nicer campus in my opinion.”
Students who transferred in ninth grade may not have had much time on the middle school campus, but they still express excitement for the change in environment, showing how meaningful the transition can be.
While some might view the campus switch as daunting, Ninth Grade Dean and history teacher Karen Fukushima said current ninth graders are ready for the move.
“At this time of year, fourth quarter, it feels like [the ninth graders] are ready,” Fukushima said.
Current ninth graders appear eager to transition to 10th grade. After years of preparation in middle school, the change in campuses shouldn’t be looked at as a sad goodbye to the middle school campus, but instead a new opportunity for growth.
Source:
Brown, Daniel K., et al. “Viewing Nature Scenes Positively Affects Recovery of Autonomic Function Following Acute Mental Stress.” Environmental Science & Technology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 4, 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3699874
