Moving From Paul Middle School to High School in DC

An eighth grader at Paul Public Charter School may already know the building, the teachers, and the familiar route to school. Ninth grade still brings decisions worth discussing early. At our association, we want DC families to understand their public charter school options and know which details to confirm with the school itself. For a student moving from Paul PCS Middle School to Paul PCS International High School, the first question concerns the feeder pathway; the next concerns the student's academic plan.

Understand the middle-to-high school pathway

For the 2026–27 school year, My School DC identifies Paul PCS Middle School as a grades 5–8 school and Paul PCS International High School as a grades 9–12 school. Its Paul middle school feeder information identifies International High School as the feeder destination and states that Paul Middle School students have a guaranteed ninth-grade seat at Paul High School.

That guarantee matters for families already attending Paul Middle School. It does not mean that every eighth grader elsewhere in DC can enter the high school without following the appropriate application process. Families considering a move into Paul, or changing schools before ninth grade, should check their own eligibility and the current My School DC instructions.

Even eligible families should ask Paul staff what action they need to take to confirm a student's next-year enrollment. A feeder right establishes an enrollment pathway; families still need accurate dates, records, and school-specific instructions. Ask about these details before the end of eighth grade rather than relying on an old admissions email.

Plan the academic transition

The move to high school changes how students think about credits, graduation requirements, and courses that build on earlier learning. Paul Middle School's official profile mentions high-school-credit-bearing classes for middle school students. That statement does not establish that every eighth grader takes every such class, nor does it tell a family how a particular credit will appear on a transcript.

Start with the student's current course record. Which classes count only toward middle school progress? Has the student taken a course that may earn high school credit? What does the school need to verify before ninth-grade scheduling? These are questions for the school counselor or academic team, especially when a student has changed schools.

The Paul International High School profile identifies Advanced Placement, career and technical education, and dual college enrollment among its specialized programs for 2026–27. Families can use that information to begin a conversation about long-term interests. They should ask when students become eligible, what prerequisites apply, and which opportunities will actually run during their student's years there.

Questions to ask before ninth grade

A short conversation can clear up details that a general school listing cannot answer. Bring the student's recent report card and any questions about learning support so the discussion stays concrete. We suggest using this checklist when speaking with the school:

• Does my student qualify for the feeder seat, and how do we confirm enrollment?
• Which eighth-grade courses, if any, can carry high school credit?
• Who helps families review the ninth-grade schedule and graduation plan?
• How will existing special education or English learner supports continue?
• When can students explore Advanced Placement, CTE, or dual enrollment?
• Whom should we contact if our address, records, or plans change?

Families may receive different answers depending on a student's current school and educational record. Write down the contact person and any next action the school gives you. If the answer concerns eligibility or a deadline, request the current written policy.

Make the first high school semester manageable

Academic planning also involves routines. A student who managed middle school with familiar teachers may need a new approach to assignments, deadlines, and asking for help. Families can discuss how students will track work, communicate with teachers, and find academic support before those systems become urgent.

Consider the ordinary school-day questions as well. Check the current bell schedule, transportation plan, extracurricular commitments, and the way the high school communicates schedule changes. If a student wants to join an activity, ask whether its meeting time fits the family routine. These small checks make the transition more predictable.

At the DC Association of Chartered Public Schools, our work supporting quality charter-school pathways reflects our interest in clear information and strong educational opportunities. We encourage families to use verified school guidance alongside their own student's goals. Paul staff and My School DC can confirm enrollment procedures; the family can use those answers to plan a ninth-grade start with fewer surprises.