The To&Through Middle Grades Network (MGN) provides customized coaching and professional learning to cohorts of Chicago public schools dedicated to creating more equitable and responsive learning environments where middle grades students thrive.
Our aim is for partner schools to increase elementary on-track rates through a meaningful increase in students' sense of belonging. Research shows that by focusing on the unique developmental needs of early adolescents, we help young people to develop the foundational skills and connections to school that are critical for high school and post-secondary success.
As part of the network, teams of practitioners participate in collaborative professional learning and receive dedicated coaching as they engage in a student-centered improvement process grounded in research, data, and the collective expertise of participating schools. Schools also receive support in how to partner with young people to co-design systems that respond to their unique and diverse needs by nominating up to four middle grades students to participate in the MGN Student Fellowship.
Selected partner schools participate in a three-and-a-half year improvement journey that includes four distinct phases, shown in the graphic below.
We are currently recruiting (Sept 9 - Oct 2, 2025) for our next cohort of the To&Through Middle Grades Network! Learn more here.
