Seventh and eighth grade can often feel like a holding period between elementary school and high school. Peoria Unified’s Cactus High School is taking a different approach. On Aug. 3, the school will welcome its first class of seventh- and eighth-grade students under a new seventh- through 12th-grade model designed to give younger students more time to explore their interests, accelerate academically and begin shaping their educational paths.
The inaugural program is full at 350 students, with a waitlist available. Peoria Unified Governing Board President Jeff Tobey says the strong response shows families are looking for more flexible learning opportunities during two important years of a student’s development.
“Seventh and eighth grade are when students begin identifying their interests and recognizing where their strengths lie,” Tobey says. “This model gives them two additional years to try new subjects, challenge themselves and explore opportunities they may not otherwise encounter until high school.”
The Governing Board approved the model March 12. The change addresses two district priorities: stabilizing enrollment at Cactus High School, as recommended through Peoria Unified’s capital master planning process, and expanding academic and career exploration for students of all ages.
The new Cactus model includes:
- Accelerated academics. Students who excel in certain subjects may take integrated courses with high school students. Those participating in the Integrated-Accelerated Model may earn one or two high school math credits during eighth grade.
- Earlier career exploration. Junior high students will gain access to career and technical education offerings sooner, giving them more time to decide whether they want to pursue those fields in high school.
- More elective choices. Students may select four classes from 16 options across career exploration, creative arts and physical education. Offerings include art, drama, humanities and athletics.
- Age-appropriate spaces. Junior high classrooms will be based primarily in the Cobra Courtyard and 300 Building, apart from the main high school instructional areas. Students will have their own restrooms, locker rooms, breakfast area, lunch periods and dances.
- Clubs and leadership. Seventh- and eighth-graders will have access to age-appropriate events, Student Council, National Junior Honor Society and an eighth-grade promotion ceremony.
- Additional support. The junior high area is located near the guidance department. Adjusted bell schedules, pickup and drop-off procedures, staff coverage and designated IDs or lanyards will support supervision and campus safety.
“Students should not have to wait until high school to pursue a greater academic challenge or explore a potential career path,” Tobey says. “This model gives them that opportunity sooner.”
Peoria Unified Governing Board Clerk Becky Proudfit says the campus was designed to pair expanded opportunities with the structure younger students still need. “Junior high students will have their own space, along with easy access to counselors, supervision and support throughout the day,” Proudfit says.
Students will spend most of their day in the designated junior high area, joining older students only for advanced courses or specific programs. Families toured the campus during a Cactus information night, and incoming students attended Junior High Camp Cobra from July 20-23 to meet classmates and become familiar with the school.
“Giving families a chance to see the classrooms, understand the safeguards and learn how the model works has helped build confidence,” Proudfit says.
District leaders say seventh- through 12th-grade models can strengthen continuity and keep students engaged during years when motivation may begin to slip. “Seventh and eighth grade should be years of growth, not simply something students get through before high school,” Tobey says. “This is about giving them more ways to learn, explore and succeed.”
Tobey says the launch reflects Cactus High School’s ability to adapt to students’ changing needs. “This is about making every year count,” he says. “We are excited to welcome our first Junior Cobras on Aug. 3.”
Families interested in joining the waitlist or learning more may visit peoriaunified.org/o/cactus.
