Arlington ISD launches study on whether sixth grade should move to junior highs

Arlington Independent School District leaders told trustees on Nov. 6 that they will form a stakeholder committee to study whether sixth grade should remain at elementary schools or be moved to junior high campuses.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Brett Champion and Dr. Shavir Dhalla outlined a process that will begin meetings in January, include parent, teacher, principal and student representation from feeder patterns, and frame each monthly meeting around district priorities such as academic growth, talent and facilities. "No decision has been made," Dr. Dhalla said, adding that the committee will gather data, student voice and campus‑level input and aims to return a recommendation by June 2026.

Administrators cited survey results that showed higher reported anxiety among sixth‑grade students compared with seventh and eighth graders and noted that principals on both sides — elementary and junior high — had expressed readiness to support sixth graders in different configurations. Trustee Wilbanks urged caution, citing research and district STAR scores showing higher sixth‑grade performance at elementary sites and asking administrators to plan supports to avoid disrupting achievement levels.

District leaders said the study will examine facility capacity, schedules (including lunch and locker‑room access), resource implications and student experience, and will include a student panel. If the board decides to move sixth grade, implementation would be targeted for the 2027–28 school year, administrators said. No formal vote was required or taken on the study itself.