New middle school opens as Kettering pupils return
Kettering parents and pupils began the new school year this month with several changes across the district as the authority implements a reorganisation of its middle school provision.
From the first week of term, children in Years 6–8 (Grades 6–8) are attending the newly combined Fairmont Middle School, following the decision to merge pupils from Van Buren Middle School and Kettering Middle School. The changes coincide with the staggered return of other year groups at Fairmont High School, where the district welcomed back freshmen and sophomores and pupils in Years 1–5 on the first day; juniors and seniors were scheduled to return later in the week.
The reorganisation aims to consolidate middle‑level education at a single site and streamline arrival and dismissal arrangements, the local authority says. Kettering City Schools superintendent Mindy McCarty‑Stewart said the district had been communicating directly with families to ease the transition.
“To help all of our families navigate arrival and dismissal procedures, specifically at the middle school, we’ve been sending out great communication directly from our co-principals here at the middle school,”
The move marks a notable shift for families used to the previous two‑middle‑school model. For many parents, practical concerns such as travel times, transport arrangements and supervision at arrival and pickup have been at the forefront ahead of the first school days.
What families need to know
- Years 6–8: now attend Fairmont Middle School, a single site accommodating pupils from the former Van Buren and Kettering middle schools.
- Years 1–5: attended on the first day of term at Fairmont High School site.
- Freshmen and sophomores: welcomed back at Fairmont High School alongside Years 1–5 on day one.
- Juniors and seniors: scheduled to return later in the same week.
School leaders have circulated guidance on arrival and dismissal procedures and are working to ensure the first days run smoothly. The superintendent’s office has encouraged families to check the school’s official communications channels for the most up‑to‑date information.
Practical layout for the start of term
| Year groups | Location on first week |
|---|---|
| Years 1–5 | Fairmont High School (first day) |
| Years 6–8 | Fairmont Middle School (new combined middle school) |
| Freshmen & Sophomores | Fairmont High School (returned first day) |
| Juniors & Seniors | Fairmont High School (returned later that week) |
Parents considering transport options are advised to liaise with the school for designated pick‑up and drop‑off points. The district has highlighted that co‑principals at the middle school will be a primary point of contact for queries relating to the new arrangements.
Members of the community have welcomed the clearer structure of a single middle school, though some have expressed concerns about congestion during peak times and the need for clear signage and marshals while routines settle in.
As the term progresses, the district has indicated it will monitor the transition and provide further updates to families. For detailed information about term dates, behavioural expectations and transport arrangements, the authority points parents to the Kettering City Schools website and official communications sent by individual school leaders.
The changes form part of the wider operational planning for the 2026–27 academic year being managed by Kettering City Schools. Families are encouraged to remain alert to emails, texts and school website notices for any additional changes or guidance.
