Sixth-Grade Middle-School Alignment
Summary
- DCSD sixth-grade programs that have not already moved to middle school will do so starting with the 2027-2028 school year.
- The transition offers a developmental fit and robust educational options.
- Affected schools include feeder schools to Castle View High School and Douglas County High School in Castle Rock, and Chaparral High School in Parker.
- DCSD middle schools offer varied electives, athletics, safety measures, and strong relationships.
All Castle Rock and Parker schools' sixth-grade programs will move to vmiddle school for 2027-2028
As part of the Thriving Schools, Thriving Communities portion of its new strategic plan, Douglas County School District plans to have all neighborhood-school sixth graders attending middle school by 2027-2028. With Highlands Ranch sixth graders heading to middle school at the start of the 2026-2027 school year, the only sixth graders who remain in elementary school will be in the Castle Rock and Parker regions.
Currently, all neighborhood sixth-grade students in Parker attend middle school except for those in the Chaparral High School feeder. In Castle Rock, Sage Canyon Elementary and South Ridge Elementary are the only elementary schools without sixth grade.
In April and May of 2026, District and school staff offered four in-person meetings for affected sixth-grade staff and families in Castle Rock and Parker, as well as a virtual meeting for staff. During the coming school year, families and staff will have more opportunities to meet and have their questions answered.
Affected feeder systems
Why sixth grade in middle school?
- Developmental Fit: Sixth grade more appropriately belongs in middle school. Staff members get to know students better with greater opportunities to help them develop.
- More Robust Programming: Options include speech, orchestra, band, multimedia, world language, and career & technical education (engineering, trades, and more).
- Athletics: Five-week seasons where everyone participates - boys & girls cross country, girls volleyball, co-ed flag football, girls basketball, boys basketball, co-ed wrestling, boys & girls track.
- Activities: Performing arts, clubs.
- Relationships: Knowing kids by name; taking time to connect with families; supporting them at events; helping them navigate social situations.
Frequently asked questions
- Will this cause the middle schools to be crowded?
- What if this transition proves difficult for some students?
- What about transportation for students?
- How does this change affect sixth-grade staff?