The impact of alternative grade configurations on student outcomes through middle and high school

We use statewide administrative data from Florida to estimate the impact of attending public schools with different grade configurations on student achievement through grade 10. Based on an instrumental variable estimation strategy, we find that students moving from elementary to middle school suffer a sharp drop in student achievement in the transition year. These achievement drops persist through grade 10. We also find that middle school entry increases student absences and is associated with higher grade 10 dropout rates. Transitions to high school in grade 9 cause a smaller one-time drop in achievement but do not alter students' performance trajectories.

► We study the impact of various grade configurations on student achievement through grade 10.
► Students moving to middle schools suffer a sharp drop in achievement that persists through grade 10.
► Middle school entry increases absences and is associated with higher grade 10 dropout rates.
► Transitions to high school cause a smaller, non-persistent drop in achievement.