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Arlington ISD to study moving sixth grade to junior highs; recommendation due June 2026
Summary
District staff will convene stakeholder committees beginning in January to evaluate whether sixth grade should remain in elementary schools or move to junior highs, with a recommendation expected by June 2026 and possible implementation in 2027–28.
Arlington ISD leaders told trustees on Nov. 6 they will conduct a multi‑month study on sixth‑grade placement and return a recommendation by June 2026. The study will gather input from parents, teachers, principals, students, and central staff and will examine student experience, academic growth, talent and resources, facility capacity, and operational impacts such as scheduling and athletics eligibility.
Dr. Brett Dhalla (presenting the study scope) said the district found signals in student, staff and parent surveys indicating mixed views: some sixth graders reported higher anxiety and a diminished sense of belonging at elementary campuses, while many principals reported differing perspectives. "No decision's been made," Dhalla said, emphasizing the work will be data‑driven and that if the board elects to move sixth grade, the earliest implementation would be the 2027–28 school year.
The study will include monthly meetings (beginning in January), student panels, campus‑level data reviews and involvement from human resources and facilities to assess capacity and schedules. Trustees asked about capacity for junior highs, lunch schedules and locker/locker‑room availability; presenters said facilities and scheduling will be part of the ongoing examination.
Next steps: Stakeholder committee meetings will start in January, and the district expects to present a recommendation to the board by June 2026.
