Why GPA and Academic Consistency Matter Even in Middle School

When we think of middle school classes and the impact they will have on students, we often believe their grades in these classes don’t matter. Middle school is where academic habits are formed, which impacts how they will do in high school. GPA in middle school isn’t about a number; it’s about building consistency within these habits which leads to high school readiness.

What is a GPA?

GPA, or Grade Point Average, is calculated by assigning a number to the grades earned, based on performance in a student’s classes, then averaging them over a semester and/or year. The standard GPA scale goes up to 4.0.

GPA in Middle School

The use of GPA in middle school does not typically exist. If a student takes a high school level class in middle school, it is at the school district’s discretion whether to include the course in the student’s high school GPA.

Suggestions for Strong Middle School Grades

The benefits for students to focus on their grades in middle school aligns with the potential for a good GPA in high school. These benefits are tools for middle schoolers to learn and practice, mastering them before heading into the upper grades. 

Create a Foundation:

Middle School is the beginning of classes that require time outside of the classroom. Students are asked to do homework related to the daily lesson and, eventually, be assessed on their knowledge of the topics covered. Learning good study habits impacts how a student will perform on the assessments, laying a foundation for strong habits that prepare them for high school.

Try Different Subjects and Classes:

Students are given the opportunity to try elective courses that may spark an interest in a pathway for high school. Some high school–level classes are offered in middle school, giving students insight into the level of rigor and workload associated with them. This provides an opportunity to develop new habits for learning high school–level content. Students who work hard in more challenging classes reap the benefit of standing out to teachers, showing that they may be a strong candidate for advanced classes the following year.

Adopt a Growth Mindset:

Consistency and perseverance will help students earn grades they are proud of. By staying organized and avoiding procrastination, students will see results and recognize their hard work paying off. This builds confidence and self-esteem. 

Laying the Groundwork for High School and Beyond

Middle school grades do not directly affect college applications. However, teaching middle schoolers the importance of studying, building healthy habits, persevering when content gets harder, and monitoring their grades makes them more likely to be successful in high school—which, in turn, helps them stand out on college applications.