For many school systems, junior high school is a distinct transition from elementary school to high school. This is a time focused on developing a student’s cognitive, memory, and information processing skills in preparation for the rigor of high school. Unlike middle school, junior high school is subject-centered.

While junior high schools may offer electives or extracurricular activities, the emphasis is typically on academic achievement and mastery of core subjects. The curriculum is designed to lay a solid foundation for students to succeed in high school and beyond.

Let's explore these differences to better understand these two types of schools. In the United States, junior high school is a term used for schools that typically consist of the two or three grades leading up to high school. Some districts offer junior high schools that serve grades 7-9, while others include only grades 8-9.

Some districts offer junior high schools that serve grades 7-9, while others include only grades 8-9. Students in junior high are usually around 12-14 years old and are in the early to mid stages of adolescence. They may also introduce shorter classes and more teachers throughout the day sooner than middle schools.