Each middle school promotes the social and emotional growth of the early adolescent through specific activities as well as available services, instructional practices, and organization. When possible, students are assigned to teams (within grades, grade-, or program–level) in order to minimize the feeling of anonymity a large school may create. These smaller “communities” give students a sense of belonging and greater self-confidence, allowing them to grow academically as well as socially and emotionally. Teachers also consider the social and emotional needs of the early adolescent in planning their learning activities. Students have many opportunities to work in small groups, to cooperate and collaborate, and to select assignments which develop their interests and abilities. Such attention to the nature of the middle school student allows each to grow emotionally and socially even as he or she works academically.