At the April Regular Governing Board Meeting, the Sacaton School District #18 Governing Board approved an amendment on the second reading of Policy IE: Organization of Instruction. This change will take effect beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
Under the new structure:
Sacaton Elementary School will serve students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade (K–5)
Sacaton Middle School will serve students in 6th through 8th Grade (6–8)
As part of this transition, 5th grade will move to the elementary school next year.
Why this change?
This adjustment is designed to better support student learning and development. Key reasons include:
1. Age-Appropriate Learning Environment
Fifth grade students are developmentally more aligned with elementary-aged peers. Housing them at the elementary campus allows for instruction, supports, and expectations tailored specifically to their stage of growth.
2. Stronger Academic Foundations
Keeping 5th grade within the elementary model allows for greater continuity in foundational instruction, particularly in literacy and mathematics, helping ensure students are fully prepared for the transition to middle school.
3. Smoother Transition to Middle School
By beginning middle school in 6th grade, students can enter a more structured, subject-specific environment when they are more developmentally ready, improving both academic confidence and social adjustment.
4. Improved Social-Emotional Support
Elementary campuses are designed with systems that emphasize nurturing, relationship-building, and whole-child support—key elements for students in upper elementary grades.
5. Alignment with Best Practices
Many districts across the state and nation utilize a K–5 and 6–8 configuration, as it is widely recognized as a model that supports student success during critical transition years.
We understand that changes like this can raise questions, and we are committed to supporting students and families every step of the way. Additional information, including transition plans and opportunities for parent engagement, will be shared. in the time to come. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the success of all Sacaton students.