The K-8 Advantage

A growing body of research identifies the K-8 advantage in schools. Research shows the K-8 structure is beneficial to adolescent students (ages 12-14) as they perform at higher levels academically than their traditional middle school peers. In addition, the social and emotional needs of students are better met in a K-8 school. Research shows that students who attend K-8 schools:

• Experience higher levels of self esteem
• Feel safer, with less discipline and behavior problems threatening their education
• Have a positive attitude toward school
• Have higher levels of academic achievement
• Attend schools with more diverse student and teacher populations and smaller grade sizes
• Experience more core instructional time, allowing for greater exploration and integration, rather than a focus on strictly content, departmentalization, and adherence to a rigid schedule
• Have significantly higher scores in reading, language arts, and mathematics
• Do not experience loss of achievement because of disruptive transitions
• Experience better outcomes in 9^th grade

From kindergarten to middle school, Villa Maria’s K-8 structure provides opportunities for development of character and leadership and creative and critical thinking skills along with providing a strong academic foundation for high school and beyond.

Villa Maria Academy eighth-grade students are school leaders. Younger children view them as role models; their teachers hold high expectations for them, and give them opportunities to respond accordingly. The comprehensive level of responsibility and leadership vested in our students gives them a taste of real leadership.  It allows them to develop the self-confidence that will prepare them for success in high school.

Leadership skills are developed at every grade level through participation in academics, the arts, student government, athletics and after school activities.

The Villa Maria Academy legacy lasts a lifetime. Students experiencing a Villa education throughout kindergarten, elementary and middle school develop timeless values, friendships, a strong academic foundation, and zeal and curiosity for learning that will benefit them throughout their lives.