• Upper Elementary

~9 to 12 Years Old

The 9- to 12-year-old class also contains Montessori materials — particularly in the areas of mathematics and geometry — though the emphasis at this level is on more abstract thinking. Below is  a list of concepts that each student will acquire during the second three years of the complete six-year Elementary cycle.

MATHEMATICS

  • Whole Number Operations – abstract resolution of the four operations in static and dynamic forms
  • Number Theory and Composition – Prime numbers, Multiples, Lowest Common Multiples, Greatest Common Factors
  • Common Fractions – equivalencies and comparison of fractions, improper fractions, prime numbers, etc.
  • Decimal Fractions – relationship between common fractions and decimal fractions, decimal hierarchies
  • Percentages – examination of relationship between common fractions, decimal fractions, and percentages, use of concepts in practical applications (i.e. interest and sales tax)
  • Squaring/Square Root and Cubing/Cube Root – forming and solving basic algebraic equations
  • Graphs, Charts, Measurement, and Problem Solving – standard and metric measurement, reading and creation of graphs, etc.

GEOMETRY

  • Study of Lines – review of concepts learned in LE, study of different kinds of lines
  • Study of Angles – review of parts of an angle and different types
  • Classification of Triangles and Quadrilaterals – classification of the three- and four-sided polygons
  • Perimeter, Area, and Volume – study of these concepts with plane and solid figures

LANGUAGE 

The Upper Elementary language curriculum has several strands, each of which plays a part in a student’s ability to use language as an effective tool for communication. One goal of the language curriculum is for students to better understand the grammatical shape of our language. A second goal is for students to learn the mechanics of written English. A third goal is to practice the processes of gathering, ordering, paraphrasing, and communicating information in a number of formats.

Specific Grammar Goals

  • Parts of Speech – review and practice identifying parts of speech, introduction to more complex forms of speech
  • Sentence Analysis – review concepts of subject/predicate/direct object in various contexts, introduction of traditional sentence diagramming
  • Mechanics Concepts – advanced capitalization, advanced punctuation, further study of spelling rules, etc.
  • Non-Fiction and Information Gathering – sentences, paragraphs, paraphrasing
  • Note-taking and Outlining – start taking information notes, using note cards, creation of outlines
  • Styles of Essay Writing – introduction of narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository styles
  • Creating a Bibliography – introduction to different formats
  • Specific Concepts for Writing Fiction and Poetry – introduction to variety of poetic styles, introduction to idea of plot, character development, setting and mood in fictional writing
SCHEDULE A TOUR

CULTURAL CURRICULUM

The broad goal of the cultural curriculum is to help children understand how the world has come to be as it is and to help each child determine what his or her place may be within the larger scheme of civilization. Students also examine their own responsibilities as citizens of this world.

Specific Concepts for Understanding Physical Planetary Development and Structure

  • Creation – presentations of a range of creation stories from around the world, introduction to the three states of matter
  • Structure of the Earth – study of the physical structure of the Earth

Specific Concepts for Understanding Biological Development (Botany/Zoology)

  • The Coming of Life – presentation of the Timeline of Life story: reintroduction of different eras
  • The Coming of Humanity – examination of the mythological and religious ideas of the rise of humans on Earth, presentation of the vocabulary and developmental time frame of human evolution

Specific Concepts for Understanding the Development of Earth’s First Civilizations

  • The Fundamental  Needs of Humanity – physical and spiritual needs
  • Early Civilizations – broad presentation on the development of early civilizations
  • Civilizations/History – study on Greeks, Romans, Incans, and Mayans on a rotating basis

Specific Areas of Study for the Biological and Physical Sciences

The study of biological and physical sciences comes directly from the three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas.

  • Solids – experiments in simple physics, properties of solids, skeletal/muscular systems, soil profiles, etc.
  • Liquids – experiments in simple chemistry, properties of liquids, water quality, water conservation, etc.
  • Gas – astronomy, properties of gasses, global wind patterns, Earth’s atmosphere, weather patterns, etc.

FINE ARTS CURRICULUM

The art studio exploration for the 9- to 12-year-old child is geared towards strengthening creative problem-solving skills through both two-dimensional and three-dimensional spatial concepts. Through media experimentation, concepts are explored in more detail and sophistication. The studio atmosphere also encourages cooperative learning. The students will be exposed to a variety of media, including colored pencils, charcoal, graphite, chalk and oil pastels, watercolor, acrylic, and oils.

The projects explored in the art studio are primarily criteria based, with the application of specific skills and concepts as a goal. There is always room for individualism and creativity within a given assignment as each child is unique in his or her approach.

The Montessori approach strives to give children an awareness of the interconnected nature of their studies to the world around them. It is the goal of the art director to integrate his or her program into the core curriculum.

MUSIC CURRICULUM

The goal of the music program is to install a joy of music by incorporating the following: exposure to all forms of music, singing, listening, ear-training, movement, instrument playing, and creativity with the use of drums, traditional rhythm instruments, and the recorder.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM

The Upper Elementary physical education program continues to build on the goal of instilling a love of movement and physical activity. Group activities that focus on gross motor skills, coordination, spatial relations, fitness, and strength are combined with advanced games utilizing equipment such as balls, flags, cones, paddles, racquets, and targets. Sportsmanship and competition are encouraged with core Montessori principles such as grace, courtesy, and respect in mind. Students continue to use the “PE Shelf,” which allows students to choose independent PE work.

School Hours for Upper Elementary (4th through 6th grade equivalent; approximately 9-12 years old): 8:10-8:30 a.m. drop-off; 3:30 p.m. pickup. After School is available until 5:30 p.m.