Sweet Springs to Move Sixth Graders to Junior High Next School Year

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The Sweet Springs R-VII school board has decided to move sixth-grade classes from the elementary school to the junior high school starting next school year. Superintendent Lori Price cited the need to provide better social, emotional, and behavioral support for the older elementary students, as well as filling district staffing needs, as reasons for the change. Pre-Kindergarten will move into the elementary school building as part of the transition.

Why it matters

This shift in grade levels is part of an ongoing effort by the Sweet Springs school district to optimize resources and support for students as they progress through their education. The move of sixth graders to the junior high aims to better address the unique developmental needs of that age group.

The details

At their February 11th board of education meeting, the Sweet Springs R-VII school board approved Superintendent Lori Price's recommendation to transition sixth-grade classes from the elementary school to the junior high school starting in the next academic year. As part of this change, pre-Kindergarten will move into the elementary school building. Counselors will also arrange a tour of the junior high this spring for all fifth- and sixth-grade students to help with the transition.

• The school board approved the grade-level shift at their February 11, 2026 meeting.
• The sixth-grade move to junior high will take effect starting the 2026-2027 school year.

What’s next

The school board and district leaders will need to decide at a later date whether to expand junior high athletics to allow sixth-graders to participate.