| Overview | Lower Elementary | Upper Elementary |

At the UE level, all curriculum areas are integrated. Math climbs through practical math (measurement, statistical analysis, trigonometry, calculus), and more formal elements of biology are taught as well. Students participate in literature groups, in which a group of students read a book together and create a project around the book, and in Writers’ Workshop, which helps them to hone their writing skills through frequent practice and directed exercises. Continuing the tradition begun in Lower Elementary, they have 30 to 45 minutes of D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) time daily. Students receive either individual or group lessons daily in a variety of subjects.

Montessori’s Great Lessons continue at this level, and students pursue research in greater depth. Two events showcasing their research are Fiesta Day, in which UE students prepare presentations and activities showcasing Spanish-speaking countries, and the Science Fair, the culmination of weeks of scientific inquiry.

At the social emotional level, UE students continue their passion of discussion while developing a sense of the gray areas. These years are full of negotiation, within the world and with each other.

Students work with the teachers to set their educational goals for the week, and take responsibility for accomplishing them. They gain the life-long skills of learning to use organizational tools, including planners.

Upper Elementary students become leaders within the school. Each of them has a year-long job which may take place inside the classroom or within the larger school community. These might include being tour guides for prospective families, special event coordinator, fundraising coordinator, building and grounds assistant, etc.

The years from 9 to 12 are years of solidifying and fine-tuning academic knowledge and exploring the larger world. Completion of this three-year cycle gives the child the confidence and mastery to go to the next level. Being able to spread their wings and feel confident in a safe, known environment provides a wonderful springboard for these children as they leave for new and exciting school experiences at the end of the three-cycle. In the student’s final or sixth grade year, we work with families to help the child to make a successful transition to their next school.

The culminating event of each school year in Upper Elementary is the camping trip. In May of each year, the entire class participates in a three-day, two-night trip. For the past few years, the destination has been an ecology school or nature camp in New England. The class plans and executes fundraising throughout the year to cover the cost of this trip. The money is raised primarily through bake sales, which are a wonderful opportunity for the students to interact with all the families in the school as they sell coffee, juice and baked goods produced by the students and their families. The trip is an opportunity for the students to venture out in the world together and bond as a group while experiencing in-depth nature-based classes and activities in a unique setting.