Choosing a middle school

[katydid02]

We're having to do this soon. So, what do you look for in a middle school? I read the thread about choosing a secondary school but it's not really relevant since the stuff about GCSEs etc isn't relevant yet.

I looked at the way the school was set up. For instance at my DC's middle school the yr 5's have a different system to the yr6,7 and 8's.
The older three year groups are set up like secondary schools whereas yr 5 is more like primary and the change to a secondary system is gradual over the year.

DD1 is at middle school and DD2 is about to join here there. We were impressed with how they managed the transition period of adjustment in the first term. Look at whether they have some kind of yr 8 peer mentor/buddy system for the yr 5s, this helps too. You can only get a real feel by visiting.
I love the 3 tier system and thinks it has a lot to offer. On another slightly off topic note, don't be surprised if your child's levels change in Sept from the leaving yr 4 levels. In my experience yr 5 in a middle school is full of assessment for the children. They definitely keep a good eye on their progress.

Is your child happy at current awful school? Are they making progress? So many factors to consider, I'm not sure how I would deal with this.
Is the alternative first school one you would be happy with?