A middle school student is typically between the ages of 11 and 14, attending grades 6 through 8 in the United States education system. This stage of education serves as a transition from elementary school to high school, where students begin to explore more complex subjects and develop critical thinking skills. In middle school, students study a variety of subjects, including math, science, language arts, and social studies. They also often participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and clubs, which help them build social skills and discover their interests outside of academics.