My kids went to an ES that feeds into two middle schools, so they both entered a MS class of 600+ students with only 20 or so ES classmates. It worked out fine and they made new, lasting friendships easily enough, and they are not particularly outgoing types.

I am the PP, wanted to add that my oldest son had the same experience. he is now entering high school with 4 close friends he met in 6th grade. He has other friends but they are genuinely his "pack".

my son had the WORST experience in es-he had a horrible class. He is finishing up the 6th grade with a completely new group of friends and has had his best year ever. He made a wonderful group of friends and their parents are great too! Most of his new friends are from band but he has met a few others through classes and sports. He is so much happier.

OP, I felt the same way when my daughter started middle school (7th grade for her). Her group in ES had started turning into mean girls, and I was hopeful she'd make new friends from other schools once in middle school. To some extent, she has - but no one really special or that she feels extra close to (a best friend). I'm hoping, as a PP said, that once she starts high school, or even 8th grade next year, she'll be able to find yet another - genuine - group of friends. It's hard at this age. GL!

My daughter found great friends in her first year of MS. There are more opportunities to choose classes. My daughter is in high school now, but still going to art class with the same 5 kids. They are all very talented, and the passion for art seems to be what brought them all together. Your child should find some like-minded friends in MS.

And if they find a couple like-minded kids, reach out to see if any of them want to do a weekend activity elsewhere, or a spring or summer camp together.

Yes. It helps if they join a few clubs or do a sport at the school.

Anonymous wrote:What has you thinking about it? What is your son like?

Op here. My son is an all-around great kid with varied interests and no social issues (I have an older DS with many social issues and so he not surprisingly struggles with friendships). He'd like to have more friends and so it troubles me that he hasn't found good matches at his school. His graduation from elementary school has me thinking about it and hopeful for a somewhat fresh start.

Anonymous wrote:Yes. And they shift again in high school.

Not everyone has unhappy middle school years.

At this point, not a one of my son's close friends were in his elementary school with him. He still has acquaintances, and friends, but the close ones went elsewhere.

+100

Yes. And they shift again in high school.

Not everyone has unhappy middle school years.

At this point, not a one of my son's close friends were in his elementary school with him. He still has acquaintances, and friends, but the close ones went elsewhere.

What has you thinking about it? What is your son like?

What school system?

My son started MS in a Catholic school where he was the only new 6th grader and he made friends pretty easily. He has never been into team sports and most of the other boys are but he did find a few who were like him. They hang out at recess and lunch.

My son didn't have a great group of boys to socialize with in ES. Friendly with lots of kids but practically none that he'd want to hang with outside school. His middle school will consolidate kids from 4 elementary schools, so I'm hopeful he can make some new friendships. I suspect the kids from each lower school stick together though but hoping there is some crossover. Any positive experiences to share in this regard?