There is no question that middle school is currently the king, the overwhelming choice for middle level education. This favored grade configuration is coming under question, however, particularly in urban districts. Middle level grade configurations have a long history in U.S. public schools, but little research has been done and the results are not conclusive. Although the grade span is often the focus of discussions about the middle level, its philosophy and practices are what's important. This article discusses the renewed interest of many districts in K-8 schools and provides arguments in defense of middle schools. It concludes that students can not only succeed but also prosper in any type of grade arrangement. It would be unfortunate for students if districts where middle level students exhibit less-than-desirable results were to merely change their grade configuration to K-8 without looking deeply into their curriculum, programs, and instructional delivery system. If they do, those districts will continue to fail and in 30 years will be looking for another magic bullet--perhaps the return of the middle school.