Middle school is a distinct segment in the academic life of a student, a challenging transition for youths teetering between childhood and the later teen years. Abbreviating that transition can shortchange kids of the special focus they may need.

At Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, parents and educators have been grappling with this issue for a while, but the real work has just begun.

There's considerable favor being voiced at the grassroots level about the idea of dividing the school in two — ideally with separate campuses keeping the high school apart from grades 7 and 8.

The administration of the school has recognized one possible impediment to this ideal: a declining enrollment. Officials speculate that the reason is the population migration toward Kapolei, particularly since the large Hawaiian Home Lands subdivisions have been developed.

This sounds logical, but final decisions need to be made on a firmer footing. That is why it's encouraging to see the state school board has directed the Department of Education to get the facts.

For its part, the DOE administration has resolved to take the matter to the community, and should begin the discussions as soon as possible. If there are improvements that can be made in the school environment, the students deserve to see that progress now, while they are still in the school's care.

And the residents — many of whom have complained that the older and younger kids need separate attention — have to step up and take part in these meetings, to be sure the decision-makers understand what's at stake.

It won't be an easy decision. Other schools have split in recent years — Kohala and Moloka'i — and there have been disadvantages as well as benefits.

More federal funds may be available to separate schools, but this may not compensate for the reduced access to specialized school facilities that could result. For example, if the campuses share things such as science labs, it may be hard to schedule classes accommodating both schools seamlessly. There also are advantages cited at other shared campuses: Middle-schoolers can have more continuity in their studies, with curriculum planned out over their full six-years at the school.

While this evaluation goes on, the DOE should continue exploring other ways to enhance the learning experience for middle-schoolers. State lawmakers allotted more money for an after-school activities fund that should be tapped, and federal funds set aside in the "Uplink" program for young teens should be available to Nanakuli and other schools in need.

If nothing else, the grassroots campaign for change at Nanakuli should serve as a reminder that kids in middle school need a hand up to keep them on a path to academic success. Let's not lose the opportunity to provide it.