upper elementary

4th grade through 6th grade (ages 9-12)


Upper Elementary students will experience a curriculum geared to better prepare them for middle school expectations and transitioning from a Montessori setting to a more traditional setting. As this age group becomes more independent, they begin to move from concrete material to more abstract ideas. In the Upper Elementary classroom, students will continue to experience an actionable shift in constructs and their academic preparation through writing project presentations.


In addition to students' academic development, social and emotional constructs are also developing. Our teachers are trained to observe, address, and hone these subtle changes as they guide the students through experiences. Holistically, challenges and successes are recognized, addressed in an age-appropriate manner, and reflected upon.


Our UE classroom also enjoys field trips and participates in opportunities to give back to the community.


review, explore, and further investigate:

foreign language

Once per week, students will attend a Spanish class. Returning students will continue from where they left off in the Early Childhood Spanish curriculum; new students will be introduced to Spanish basics.

mathematics

Manipulation of concrete and symbolic materials develops sound arithmetic skills and leads the child to make his or her abstractions. The children work with fraction materials, cubing materials, and materials for studying algebra and calculus.

geometry

Experienced sensorially through manipulation of both plane and solid geometric figures. As much geometric nomenclature is supplied as the child is able to assimilate so that the child will have as much information as possible at his or her command upon entering the stage of exploring why, how, and when things happen.

social studies & Science

Also, known as 'Cultural Studies', Dr. Maria Montessori felt that social studies and sciences should be integrated into the environment, as they are in life. The subject areas studied include geography, geology, history, botany, zoology, chemistry, sociology, and government.

history

The Montessori curriculum follows the development of the solar system, life on Earth, the development of humankind, early civilizations and recorded history. The child sees the long labor of humankind that is needed to accomplish all that is enjoyed here today.

geography

Studies focus on how the physical configurations of the Earth contribute to our history. The study of physical geography is the basis for the study of economic geography, which shows the interdependence of people.

art

In the elementary environment, the adult aids the child in the development of skills in order that the child may creatively express him or herself through various media. In addition to art expression, art is an integrating factor for the rest of the curriculum. The child may use it in such ways as geometrical drawings, geographical maps or illustrations for history, botany, zoology, social studies, etc.

music

The elementary program consists of singing, dancing, music appreciation, guest listening and ear training. There will be opportunities to listen to and discuss many different types of musical instruments.

physical education

Biological studies relating to physical education include human anatomy, physiology and nutrition. An interest in the development of skills that could be used in later life is the emphasis, along with the challenge of competing with oneself rather than competing against others.