The purpose of this study was to analyze principals' perceptions of middle grades programs in public middle and K-8 schools in North Carolina. A comparison of principals' perceptions of middle grades programs is made by grade configuration (middle vs. K-8) and by school type (Schools to Watch (STW) vs. non-Schools to Watch (non-STW)). A comparison of principals' perceptions of middle grades programs in this paper includes a comparison analysis of numerous school variables including: teacher access to technology, global awareness, curriculum aspects, importance of and level of implementation of middle level program aspects, the impact of high stakes testing, contributing factors to successful middle schools, and the advantages and disadvantages of K-8 schools as opposed to middle schools.