The New London Community School District is considering a proposal to move sixth-grade students from the middle school back to the elementary building, a change that could affect student learning, class sizes, staffing, and school operations.
The proposal would shift the district’s current 6–8 middle school structure to a model where sixth grade joins kindergarten through fifth grade, leaving seventh and eighth grades to become part of a 7-12 model. This is a common structure based on staff licensures that are typically a 5-12 licensure.
District officials recently shared research and enrollment data outlining possible benefits and challenges associated with the change. Now, district leaders are inviting the public to attend a special board session where several key reports related to the proposal will be presented.
Research Highlights Effects of School Transitions
According to studies presented by the district, moving students to middle school at younger ages can create academic challenges.
Some research shows students who transition to middle school in sixth grade may experience drops in achievement in subjects such as math and reading. These effects can last for several years and may be more significant for students who begin with lower academic performance.
Other research suggests students often benefit from fewer school transitions, such as in K–8 systems, where students remain in the same building longer.
However, education experts also note that no single school structure guarantees success. Strong teacher collaboration, clear expectations, and student support systems are considered key factors in student achievement regardless of grade configuration.
District leaders noted that while New London’s middle school performs well overall, student performance data shows more variability when students first transition into middle grades.
Enrollment Numbers Show Potential Impact
District enrollment figures show relatively small elementary class sizes compared to current sixth-grade classes.
For the 2025–2026 school year, elementary enrollment includes:
- Kindergarten: 30 students in two classes
- First Grade: 49 students in three classes
- Second Grade: 47 students in three classes
- Third Grade: 37 students in two classes
- Fourth Grade: 46 students in two classes
- Fifth Grade: 57 students in three classes
Most elementary classes average between 15 and 23 students per classroom.
The current sixth grade includes 57 students divided into two classes, averaging 28 to 29 students per class, making it one of the largest class groupings in the district.
Projected enrollment for 2026–2027 shows similar patterns, with most elementary class sizes remaining below 23 students per class.
If sixth grade is moved to the elementary building, officials say the district may need to consider classroom space and staffing assignments based on teacher licensure and endorsements.
Possible Benefits and Challenges Identified
Supporters of the proposal say moving sixth grade to the elementary building could create a more age-appropriate learning environment and may improve the quality of school transitions students experience.
District leaders also noted that shifting sixth grade could allow additional academic support opportunities for seventh and eighth grade students at the middle school by providing more opportunities for intervention.
However, the change could also affect existing middle school systems, including teacher collaboration teams and student advisory programs.
School traditions may also be impacted. For example, fundraising time for the eighth-grade trip could be reduced, and some sixth-grade activities may be relocated.
Board Discussion Expected
At the March regular board meeting it was shared that a meeting or two be created for continuous conversations and information presentations to better help the board make a decision around the building restructures.
The board worked out one date which is this Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 6:30 PM. Following the discussion about the building restructures the Board will have the decision to either approve a plan for restructure or maintain the same structure that is currently in place. If the board doesn’t feel like they can make that decision they can table the decision to a later date.
The New London Board of Education will meet tonight, Wednesday April 8, in a special session beginning at 6:30 in the Middle/High School Success Center.