Instead, they'll remain in junior high school for one more year as part of the district's overall grade reconfiguration, but with new science classrooms and a few art media centers.

The format change takes effect this fall after the Ogden Board of Education three years ago approved it as part of an effort to bolster student achievement in ninth grade while also crafting smaller learning environments at the high school level in grades 10 through 12. Studies indicate ninth grade is a make-or-break year for many students, the point after which many move on toward academic success or drop out of school.

"By keeping ninth-graders in junior high school, the change will increase the ninth grade passing rate and improve curriculum," Don Belnap, Ogden school board president, said in a statement.

The reshuffling will impact all grade levels. Sixth-graders from the district's old middle schools have been gradually incorporated into three new elementary schools, including Odyssey and James Madison schools. Last to open later this month will be Heritage Elementary, located at Ogden's north end.

The district also is building a new Ben Lomond High School and reconstructing Ogden High School, a 1937 building included on the National Historic Register as an example of art deco architecture.

No schools have been closed during all the construction, said Donna Corby, Ogden district spokeswoman.

"We're basically changing the tires on a moving school bus," she said.

A bond approved in 2006 paid for construction and upgrade of the schools, which also received national grants from the Smaller Learning Communities and High Schools That Work programs. The district's grade reconfiguration meets requirements of the Northwest Accreditation Association, the school board said.

bfulton@sltrib.com