Middle school is like crossing a swinging bridge – uncertain, sometimes daunting, but an essential step to growing up. For students, it’s a whirlwind of change. For educators, it’s a balancing act of teaching while helping kids navigate the chaos of early adolescence.
Across Colorado, middle schools are rethinking how they prepare students for high school and beyond. They’re weaving traditional academics with social-emotional skills and hands-on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) experiences. Durango School District’s two middle schools – Miller and Escalante – are at the forefront of this evolution, creating supportive environments tailored to these transitional years.
It’s no secret that middle school is full of ups and downs. Behavior incidents peak during these years, according to the Colorado Department of Education. Students test limits, seek independence, and juggle new social and emotional challenges. To tackle these hurdles, many schools are emphasizing social-emotional learning (SEL), which focuses on managing emotions, building relationships and making good decisions. A study of 213 school programs by Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) found that SEL helped improve students' academic performance by an average of 11 percentage points.
Middle school to high school transition
Durango High School will host an Eighth Grade Parent Night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27. Families and students can explore the courses, clubs and resources DHS has to offer. Start in the main gym at 2390 Main Ave., then join breakout sessions to dive into specific programs.
In Durango School District, social-emotional skills aren’t just an add-on – they are part of the foundation. The district’s Portrait of a Graduate is woven into the curriculum and emphasizes traits like empathy, resilience and adaptability. These life skills prepare students for challenges, whether it’s solving a tough math problem or navigating a disagreement with friends.
Some parents may worry that teaching social-emotional skills might take the focus off academics, but the opposite is true. Teaching students to manage stress and work well with others creates a better environment for learning. Research shows it boosts focus, teamwork and problem-solving – all key ingredients for success in school and beyond.
STEM programs are another major focus in middle schools. In Colorado, STEM jobs are expected to grow nearly twice as fast as non-STEM roles over the next decade. Schools are preparing students for this future by incorporating coding, robotics and engineering into their lessons. Think of STEM as a playground for problem-solving. At Miller and Escalante, students aren’t just memorizing equations – they are designing architecture, building solar-powered cars and exploring plant science in greenhouses. These projects encourage curiosity and teamwork, sparking an interest in innovation that can lead to exciting careers.
Escalante and Miller middle schools offer classes that give students a chance to earn high school credits in engineering, agriculture, media arts and Spanish. Extracurricular activities like robotics clubs and science fairs take STEM learning even further, giving students the chance to dive deeper into their interests and work together on real-world challenges.
Middle school isn’t just about academics – it’s also where students explore who they are. Escalante and Miller elective classes include hydroponics, drafting and design, and film and broadcasting. Activities like sports teams, fitness classes, theater productions and clubs provide a space for kids to discover their talents and find a sense of belonging. These programs are more than just fun. A study in the Journal of Leadership Education showed that students involved in extracurriculars are more likely to graduate on time and develop leadership skills that last a lifetime.
Middle school is also a time when students learn to work with people from different backgrounds – a skill that’s invaluable in today’s interconnected world. Escalante and Miller middle schools reflect the region’s diversity, offering students the opportunity to connect with peers who bring different perspectives and experiences. By learning to collaborate across cultures, students develop empathy and understanding – traits employers and communities value deeply. These lessons extend far beyond the classroom, shaping students into thoughtful, inclusive leaders.
Middle school may be messy, but it’s also empowering. It’s a time of exploration, growth and finding one’s footing with the help of caring teachers, parents and peers. In Durango, Miller and Escalante middle schools are stepping up to the challenge. Together, they’re guiding students across the bridge of adolescence, one steady step at a time.
Karla Sluis is the public information officer for Durango School District. Reach her at ksluis@durangoschools.org. To learn more about Miller Middle School, visit miller.durangoschools.org. For Escalante Middle School, go to escalante.durangoschools.org.
