This paper examines the progress of one state in implementing the middle school concept. Results of a survey distributed in 1990 were compared to results of a similar survey distributed in the spring of 2004. Responses from principals to survey items dealing with the concept that adolescents are unique in reference to other age groups emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially to the needs of implementing and sustaining middle school concepts were compared from 1990 and 2004. While some survey items showed no significant differences in the responses from the two groups, it may be possible to posit that the two groups of principals still feel that adolescents are unique compared to other age groups. Other survey items did display statistically significant differences between the two groups, which may suggest the stage of the middle level concept. Progress or the lack thereof has been noted with each survey item. Implications from this survey can serve to heighten awareness and continue to improve the quality of middle level education. Appended is: (1) 1990 and 2004 Middle Grades Survey Comparison Matrix. (Contains 18 tables.)