I agree that is has been mixed.
Background - My daughter attended a great elementary school in another city that catered to whatever level the student needed. Then, we moved to a small town that is weak on academics in the middle of her fifth grade year.
This is a low-performing district. She had a wonderful sixth grade teacher (still elementary) and was able to take an advanced math course.)
She just finished seventh grade this year. She was able to take and advanced math course and the students were ability grouped for a reading class. The shining star was band and choir where she is in her happy place. She was in the science fair club with many of the same students in band - and loved it.
She loves the classes where she is matched by peers, but hates the English and Social Studies classes where everyone is in the same class.
All in all, she loved this year. Some students make fun of her, but she has her group. However, she has learned more about sex and drugs than I did in college.
