This quantitative study examined the beliefs of middle grades education faculty from universities across the United States about the purpose of education. The results of a survey of 144 respondents who identified themselves as university faculty that taught middle level courses as a specialty will be discussed. The survey included 23 statements, representing four philosophical orientations: progressivism, essentialism, perennialism, and social reconstructionism. The results of the survey were compared to the central tenets of the middle school philosophy. The findings indicate that of the study participants who prepare middle grades teachers, the majority do believe in ideas that align with key components of the middle school concept.