Moving to the middle

The Independent went to Marine View Middle School in Huntington Beach

to ask students, ‘What is the difference between elementary school

and middle school?’

“Elementary school is the basics, teachers make it fun for you to

learn and here they get to the point right away. There is also a

bigger maturity level. Sixth-graders are kind of squirrelly and

eighth-graders are more mature and have more freedom.”

MARILENA GUADAGNINI, 13

Huntington Beach

“I went to Harbour View and it was a lot easier but it wasn’t as

fun. The best part is you don’t have to get stuck with the same

teacher the whole day. And don’t mess around in class because it is a

lot more serious.”

JEFF MOLINO, 12

Huntington Beach

“I think the standards are set higher. In elementary school, there

is more leeway on homework and assignments. In middle school you get

in trouble if you don’t bring in your homework.”

NICK POTRYKUS, 14

Huntington Beach

“In elementary school they give you some ideas of the topics, but

in middle school they give all the information you need to know and

give tests so it stays in your head.”

ALLISON GREEN, 11

Huntington Beach

“After-school things like basketball and sports teams you can try

out for and play other schools.”

NATHAN SUTTON, 11

Huntington Beach

-- Interviews and photos compiled by Coral Wilson