However, all too often a volatile mismatch exists between the organization and curriculum of middle grade schools and the intellectual and emotional needs of young adolescents. Recommendations to improve the educational experiences of all middle grade students include creating small communities for learning; teaching a core academic program; empowering teachers and administrators to make decisions about the experiences of their students; and improving academic performance through fostering the health and fitness of students. Also recommended were staffing middle grade schools with teachers who are expert at teaching young adolescents, reengaging families in the education of young adolescents, and connecting schools with communities. 79 endnotes, appendix.