UPDATE 5/5/25: At this time, the administration is pausing the recommendation to realign grade levels
(see below for more information)
About
As a district, we are dedicated to meeting the diverse and evolving needs of our students and school community. In recent discussions, we have explored how best to address these needs while overcoming space constraints. To that end, the administration has been carefully evaluating program and service delivery, school facilities, classroom and service provider space, and grade-level transitions.
After thorough consideration, we have recommended a grade-level realignment to the Board of School Directors, which includes:
- Establishing a 5th/6th Grade Intermediate School at Middle School West
- Transitioning Middle School East into a 7th/8th Grade Middle School
Our priority remains delivering high-quality instruction and enriching school experiences. If approved, this realignment has the potential to significantly enhance teaching and learning for our fifth through eighth graders. Beyond academics, it will foster stronger relationships, promote inclusivity, and create a more cohesive and supportive environment for both students and staff.
This page will serve as a resource to keep our community informed on the progress of this initiative.
Updates
Monday, May 5, 2025 – Board Discussion
Message from Dr. Russell: At this time, the administration is pausing the recommendation to realign grade levels and will not be bringing a formal action item forward to the Board of School Directors this spring. To the Administrative Team, thank for your thoughtful considerations for what is believed to be best for students and for the legwork completed as we engaged in the conversations about our facilities. To the Board, thank you for your willingness to engage in the critical question and openly share your views regarding the benefits and challenges of such a proposed realignment.
Learn more:
Thursday, April 23, 2025 – Update
The Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC) Enrollment Report will be presented during the Board Work Session on Monday, May 5. Representatives from the Planning Commission will be in attendance to review districtwide enrollment trends, including the impacts of birth rates, full-day kindergarten, and recent building projects.
Thursday, March 13, 2025 – Interactive Working Session
The administration hosted an interactive working session during the Wellness Committee and Education Committee of the Whole meetings. The Wellness Committee explored the impact on student health and wellness. The Education Committee of the Whole focused on academic programs and services. Resources:
Monday, March 3, 2025 – Superintendent Report to School Board
Click on the links below to learn more and to access the resources from the meeting
Click on the link below to learn more
Monday, February 3, 2025 – Superintendent Report to School Board
Click on the links below to learn more and to access the resources from the meeting
Monday, January 13, 2025 – Superintendent Report to School Board
FAQs
The proposed realignment, creating a 5-6 intermediate school at West and a 7-8 middle school at East, addresses space constraints in three elementary schools while enhancing learning opportunities. It improves transitions, program delivery, and student support, with a focus on math proficiency, ELL and special education services, and overall student wellness.
Options included:
- A K-1 primary center at Evergreen
- 5-8 middle schools by shifting 5th graders from South/Evergreen to East and Skippack/Schwenksville to West
- Maintaining the current structure
We firmly believe that transitioning to a 5-6 and 7-8 structure will allow our staff to more effectively meet our students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs. This alignment facilitates greater continuity in programming, enhances teacher collaboration and communication, and fosters a stronger sense of unity before students enter high school. Moreover, it provides opportunities for targeted intervention and enrichment, increased access to new and different special area subjects, all within a structure that makes the best use of our available space and resources.
The current Enrollment Report is shared monthly at the Board Work Session. Recent reports are linked below:
One possible daily schedule is outlined below:
- High School, gr. 9-12 – 7:50am-2:30pm (doors open @7:40am)
- East – Middle, gr. 7-8 – 7:50am -2:30pm (doors open @7:40am)
- West – Intermediate, gr. 5-6 – 8:15am – 2:45pm (doors open @8:05am)
- Elementary, gr. k-4 – 8:40am – 3:10pm (doors open @8:30)
Transportation remains a priority, and we are actively working to maintain reasonable bus ride times while maximizing efficiency. The district is working with its busing company to optimize routes and minimize stops. Mock runs have identified ride times. The District will continue with the goal of keeping ride times to 45 minutes or less. A dedicated fleet for West and specialized vehicles for students with medical needs will be utilized.
Projected Ride Times
- Collegeville -> West: Approx 35 minutes (AM & PM routes)
- Skippack -> West: Approx 35 minutes (AM & PM routes)
These ride times are approximate and can be impacted by accidents, weather or construction.
Transportation Video Footage
- Collegeville -> West (morning)
- West -> Collegeville (afternoon)
- Skippack -> West (morning)
- West -> Skippack (afternoon)
The social emotional development of fifth and sixth graders is an aspect of their development that will be a focus. The realignment is intended to foster greater social integration and environments where students can build meaningful peer relationships, strengthen social skills, and enhance their emotional well-being. Instructional strategies will be implemented to meet the needs of students who experience anxiety or difficulty with change. The availability of counseling services and supports will continue to exist.
The realignment allows for more space in each of the elementary schools along with improved social worker/counselor to student ratios, leadership opportunities for 4th graders, and fewer social-behavioral challenges.
At West, new opportunities will be available to students in grades 5-6, including world language studies, family and consumer science, and technology education—specialized subjects that are not currently offered in our elementary schools.
Districtwide classes tailored to meet the needs of students with disabilities will be available in each of the 5-6 and 7-8 buildings. Students will continue progressing through their educational journey alongside their grade-level peers. All existing student services currently available in our schools to support special education needs will remain in place at the 5-6 and 7-8 buildings. Additionally, we will strengthen support for our special education students by implementing a focused transition planning process, which will include coordination with key service providers, building visits, and customized instructional interventions to address individual needs.
Students will participate in school tours, counselor visits, summer building tours, and orientation events like a 7th-grade kickoff and 5th-6th grade meet-and-greets.