Upper Elementary

An academic program for students 9-12 years old.

The Upper Elementary student demonstrates an intense desire to secure strong relationships with peers. Curriculum is based on individualized instruction; however, collaboration and cooperation are key components that strengthen these needs for peer connection. At this developmental time, students develop a strong sense of justice and experience what it means to be a part of a classroom community. Students take on an increased responsibility for their own moral conduct. Our Upper Elementary program provides stimulating learning materials and real-world experiences to sharpen the multi-dimensional skills necessary for today’s world, the ability to communicate and to work collaboratively, and the ability to think creatively throughout disciplines.

A New Period of Life

The Upper Elementary programs offer your child an unparalleled opportunity for growth in this new period of life. Your imaginative, social and creative child needs an environment with appropriate freedom and limitations, with an expansive curriculum to support her curiosity and prepare her for the challenges of the future.

Learning Without Limits

Your child will study both broadly and deeply, covering many subjects not attempted in conventional schools. Because there is not a rigid schedule or prescribed curriculum that the whole class must follow, your child can focus intensely on her self-chosen work, with minimal interruption. At the same time, she will collaborate with the teacher to ensure that her work is challenging and purposeful – and that basic standards are met. In that way, the teacher is in charge of the minimum scope of work – your child is in charge of the maximum.

Engagement Is Essential

Real learning occurs when children are engaged – not when the teacher makes a blanket assignment. Curiosity is championed in our Upper Elementary program, and your child is encouraged to explore concepts to a level of detail only limited by his imagination.

The Format Mirrors Your Child’s Developmental Needs

Your elementary age child has a strong drive for social connection. She is starting to develop deeper friendships and a connection to the community around her. Why then, would we want her to learn in rows of desks, confined to a chair, while the teacher lectures the class as a group? Instead, we embrace your child’s natural need for social exploration by giving lessons in small groups and encouraging children to work with a variety of others on follow up projects and research into subjects of intense interest.

Learning in Context for Deeper Understanding

Unlike in a conventional program with a separate time of the day for each subject, your child will gain a much deeper understanding of concepts by learning in context. The starting point for all courses of study is the “Great Lessons;” these impressionistic and scientific stories give your child the “big picture” of astronomy, earth science, geography, physics, biology, history, anthropology, cultural and social studies, language, math, music and art. Meaningful learning happens when children understand the “why” as much as the “what” – and are inspired to learn even more on their own.

Developing Flexibility, Resilience and Grit

We believe children learn to be adaptable by supporting them to solve their own problems, rather than solving problems for them. With the help of a supportive adult, your child can, most often, find the solution that is best for him.

Learning As Its Own Reward

We have high expectations for your child, and believe that rewards and punishments appeal to the lowest levels of his intellect. Given a sticker, he will do his best for a few minutes. Given experiences that help him to believe in himself and his abilities, he will do his very best for a lifetime.

Enrichment Classes

In addition to the rich and well-rounded Montessori curriculum offered, we have an Enrichment Educator on staff, a Montessori trained teacher, who offers PE, Spanish, Music, and Art classes once per week to our K-6 grade students.

Prepared and Confident

The ultimate goal of the elementary program is to develop the students’ abilities and self confidence so that they are able to take charge of their own learning. Students who have gained an appreciation for the enormous scale and resources of the world through the elementary curriculum are ready to explore their place within that world.

Elementary Program Goals

• Develop self-confident, independent thinkers who are interested in the world and enthusiastic about life;
• Help students pace themselves and take on greater levels of personal responsibility;
• Awaken the child's spirit and imagination which encourages the natural desire for independence and a high sense of self-esteem;
• Help the child learn how to observe, question and explore the relationships of life and develop a sense of stewardship and community.