Middle School Transition Timeline

Every year, the Escuela Key Counseling Team, along with the Escuela Key 5th Grade Teachers, work to provide 5th grade students and families with resources, information, and lessons around student’s upcoming transition to middle school! This is an exciting time for families but can also be a new experience for many. We hope to provide as much information as we can to answer all questions and ease any anxieties about the transition. These lessons typically take place in the Winter (January/February). If you have any questions, please reach out to your 5th grade teacher or Sra. Roca, school counselor.

Where to start?

If you’re not sure which middle school your child is slated to attend, make sure to check with the Arlington County Boundary Locator.

Typically, Escuela Key students are split up between all the middle schools: Dorothy Hamm, Gunston, Jefferson, Kenmore, Swanson and Williamsburg – with a few students being accepted, by lottery, to HB Woodlawn Secondary Program. If you are interested in exploring other options for your child, visit APS Middle School Options & Transfers page for more information – including an overview of countywide schools and programs, how to apply, and dates for school information sessions.

Middle School Information Sessions – Dates TBD

Each middle school offers an in-person information session between November and January. Families are encouraged to attend to learn about their assigned neighborhood school or option school of interest, meet school staff, and ask questions. Full schedule here but hasn’t updated to SY 26-27.

Middle Schools Visit Elementary Schools January – February 2027 (TBD)

A middle school counselor will come to the elementary school to talk about the school and course request forms, either in person or virtual.

Course Request Forms Due to Middle Schools Date TBD

CRFs are the forms the 5th graders will use to request their courses for 6th grade. These forms are to be filled out with parent(s) or caregiver(s). CRFs will be digital on Google Forms, accessed through Canvas.

5th Grade Students Visit Middle Schools – Date TBD

5th graders will be visiting their assigned neighborhood middle school during the school day. Permission slips are required for each student. Visits are from 10:00am – 11:30am and do NOT include lunch. Students accepted into HB Woodlawn are encouraged to visit their neighborhood school.