According to Salt Lake data schools lose 7-13 percent of students once they leave elementary school and enter the seventh grade.

It can be a tough time for students and K-8 schools would give them an extra two years of growth before making the leap to a large high school, said Pamela Pedersen, a member of Salt Lake district's K-8 exploration team.

"They get to be the top dogs of the school for a little longer and they've sort of built up their privileges — we trust them because we have had them longer," said Brandenburger. "When you leave sixth grade and go to a middle school or a junior high suddenly you have to start all over — this way kids leave here and only go to being the underdogs one more time, they don't have to make two new transitions."

The jury is still out on what schools, if any, will make the K-8 transition in Salt Lake City. Committees are currently presenting the idea to Clayton feeder schools. The board will most likely address the issue at the end of January after each school community has made their recommendations.

Pedersen said it is not an all-or-nothing issue. Schools where patrons aren't sold on the idea will not be forced into a K-8 model. It is just an opportunity for the community to look at options.

"We can always do better," Pedersen said. "Whether we change something or not it is always good to explore ways we can improve."

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