Skip To Main Content
MERCED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Our students have the academic skills and personal characteristics to continue their learning journey, pursuing their passions and talents.

Middle School Transition Resource Guide

A complete resource for Merced City School District families transitioning from Elementary to Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year.

Logistics

What are the middle school hours? 

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: All middle schools run from 9:10 am to 3:35 pm
  • Wednesdays: All middle schools run from 9:10 am to 2:45 pm.

What is the earliest students can be dropped off? To ensure student safety and supervision, the earliest a student can be dropped off is 8:30 am.

What will the class structure look like for 6th graders? 6th grade uses a Core Learning Block (similar to elementary) rather than a 7-period rotation.

  • Block A: English Language Arts (ELA), Social Studies, and Electives (College & Career Awareness, Music, or Band).
  • Block B: Math, Science, and Physical Education (PE).

An extra period is utilized for intervention or English Learner support.

District Bus Transportation

How does transportation and busing work? 

  • Eligibility: No application is required. If you live outside the 1.5-mile walking zone, your student is automatically eligible for transportation.
  • Bus Stops: Students may ride the bus at the stop closest to their home address. Bus routes can be found HERE.
  • Schedules & Routes: Final routes and times will be posted on the district website prior to the first day of school.

Academics and Additional Program Offerings

Will my child receive letter grades? Yes. For the first time, 6th-grade report cards will transition to the traditional A–F letter grading system.

What support is available for students with 504 plans or learning needs? 

  • 504 Plans: All plans are honored at all middle schools and are updated yearly. Your child will continue to receive services at their new campus.
  • Learning Support (RTI): We use the Response to Intervention model to provide targeted help for students not yet meeting grade-level standards.

Do 6th-grade students need to "dress out" for Physical Education (P.E.)? No. 6th graders will participate in PE just like they did at elementary sites; they do not need to change clothes or dress out.

Will my student have the opportunity to attend 6th-grade camp? Yes! 6th-grade camp is still happening and has been extended from three days to a full five-day experience.

How does the schedule work for GATE students? GATE will be available at Hoover and Rivera Middle Schools. The schedule format is consistent with that of the other 6th-grade students.

Can my child participate in Leadership or Sports?

  • Leadership: Yes! 6th graders are encouraged to participate in ASB (Associated Student Body), our student government. 7th and 8th graders are encouraged to participate in ASB and WEB (Where Everybody Belongs), a peer-mentoring program.
  • Sports: All middle schools offer volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, track, cross country, wrestling, and soccer to all students (6th–8th grade).

Is there an after-school program? Yes! The ASSETS program is available at all middle school sites for all students, including our incoming 6th graders. Visit your student’s school for the upcoming school year to apply. 

Is there a Summer School program? Yes! We offer summer programs for students in grades TK–7th grade. For more information, please visit our Summer Academy Page.

Safety & Student Well-being

How will the school address bullying and protect my child’s mental health? MCSD is committed to providing an educational environment for all students, employees, and families. Harassment, intimidation, and bullying will not be tolerated.

  • Dedicated Support Staff: Every campus has two counselors and a Restorative Justice Technician who specialize in social-emotional learning and conflict resolution.
  • Additional Resources: 

How are school campuses monitored? 

  • Campus Security Liaisons: Every school has a liaison who provides supervision and security for the school campus and fosters positive relationships with students.
  • Active Supervision: Administrators and staff provide extra supervision during breaks and lunch.
  • Security Presence: School Resource Officers (SROs) maintain a presence on campus to ensure safety and build a strong rapport with students and staff. 

Enrollment & School of Choice

  • What school will my child attend? The school will be assigned based on your home address.
  • How do I apply for School of Choice? School of Choice applications are due by May 1st. The application and its guidelines are available on this webpage. School of Choice decisions are determined by a random lottery based on available space. The notifications of these decisions are made by phone.
  • How do I apply for an Interdistrict Transfer? Interdistrict Transfer applications can be found here. 
    • Applications must be renewed every April. Renewal is based on attendance, behavior, and academic progress.
  • Who do I call for questions regarding School of Choice or Interdistrict Transfer? For questions, call Pupil Services at 209-381-2817.

Medical Requirements

Does my child need a Tdap vaccine? 

  • 6th Grade: Not required for entry.
  • 7th Grade: One dose is required prior to the start of 7th grade.
    • Important: Submit records to the office early. Students will not receive a schedule at summer Round-Up if a Tdap is not recorded.

Important Dates

  • May 1: Deadline for School of Choice applications.
  • May 6: Parent/Student Engagement Night @ Rivera Middle School open to all MCSD families (5:30–6:30 pm).
  • Summer: Orientation "Round-Up" events at each campus, dates may vary.

Questions? Please contact your current elementary office or your future middle school office. For enrollment questions, call Pupil Services at 209-381-2817.