Jason Olsen, Salt Lake School District spokesman, said it is the district's goal to expand educational choices to families in Salt Lake City. Offering K-8 as an alternative would be another option for families in the district.

Leaders say national statistics show middle-schoolers perform better in a more nurturing environment surrounded by teachers who know them — and their individual achievement levels — well.

The project began as an exploration to gauge interest in K-8. School teams held community meetings to solicit feedback and see if any schools were open to alternative models.

But at most schools, the idea was not welcomed with open arms. Some parents met the proposal with passionate opposition, saying it was a bad idea to have such a broad range of ages under the same roof and that K-8 students won't have the programs available to them that a middle school could offer.

When the dust cleared, two schools, Nibley Park and Whittier Elementary, opted to take on the new configuration. Olsen said Whittier will come on board most likely next fall.

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