Based on the experience of the Wake County Public Schools in Raleigh, NC, this explores the pros and cons of various solutions to accommodating students when funding is scarce, high schools are crowded, and more students are expected. Discusses adding mobile trailers, manipulating times, manipulating grades, and creating ninth grade centers.

A new study indicates that middle schools may not be the best way to educate city students. Researchers at The Columbia Business School say they found achievement gaps on standardized math and English tests between New York city students who attend middle schools, and those who attend K-8 elementary schools. Middle schools have been controversial in educational policy circles since they began 40 years ago. The study was based on data for city school children who were in grades 3 through 8 between 1998 and 2008. It also found that the number of children in each grade influences student achievement during these years. Middle schools generally have more students per grade than K-8 schools.