This research is a comparison of performance of a traditional 6th - 8th grade middle school configuration versus a K - 8th grade academy setting. The data was used to determine whether students performed higher in a traditional setting or the academy setting. The outcome of this research helps readers determine how the grade level configuration of the school impacts student performance and school climate.

Dr. Nikki L. Foley-Demby is in her 20th year of education with 17 of those years as an administrator. She has worked as AP, Principal & Ed. Consultant.Education:Bachelors Degree - Texas State University, San Marcos, TXMasters Degree - Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX Doctoral Degree - The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX.