my school district had K-5th, then 6-8th, and 9-12th for the grade splits. Same for the schools here. I guess I liked that it was in a different building than younger kids, and felt like you were treated on a more mature level, but still like a kid in some areas. I guess I don't know any different, but my cousin does, who went to another district that had their elementary, middle, and high school all in one building but that was because of the small population at the time. So when he hit middle school, he was still in the same building as his sister, and he didn't like that, especially when she would say hi to him in the halls if she saw him. Of course, he was too cool for her at the time! That school has now since split the grades into different buildings, but I think the Elem. school and High school are still in the same one. I'd have to check.