Education in South Africa has mirrored the inequality and socio-political upheaval that has marked that country's history since the official establishment of apartheid in 1948. This paper provides a brief summary of some of the main issues impacting education in South Africa, a description of Fish Hoek Middle School just south of Capetown, an outline of some key middle schooling practices at the school, a discussion of the role of the school in promoting educational continuity in its community, and concluding remarks on current issues and future directions for the school. The paper begins with a look at apartheid's impact on education and the challenges faced in reconstituting the country's educational system and curriculum. Fish Hoek Middle School is described in terms of its developmentally appropriate nature, its mission, interdisciplinary team-teaching organization, guidance program, and exploratory mini-course program. The paper continues with a look at the school's role as a bridge between traditional elementary and secondary education, and concludes with a discussion of remaining problems in the areas of teachers' professional development and the country's centralized external examination system. Contains 10 references. (EV)