Upper Elementary

Students deepen their understanding of numbers, patterns, relationships, and mathematical concepts as they move confidently between concrete and abstract thinking.

They explore fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, geometry, algebra, and other increasingly complex concepts while developing the flexibility to approach problems in multiple ways.

Through problem-solving, investigation, and real-world application, students learn to recognize how mathematics helps us make sense of the world around us.

They build both the skills and confidence to tackle complex ideas with creativity, curiosity, and persistence, developing an appreciation for the possibilities mathematics offers.

Through reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, research, and communication skills students develop their own voice and learn to engage critically with texts and ideas.

They engage with increasingly complex literature and texts, strengthening their reading comprehension, analysis, vocabulary, grammar, and appreciation for the history and richness of written and spoken language.

Through writing across a variety of genres, students learn to draft, revise, and communicate their ideas with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

As they develop their own voice, they learn to express their thoughts and values with authenticity while listening to and engaging thoughtfully with the ideas of others.

Students explore the living and nonliving systems that shape our world, developing a deeper understanding of how they are structured, classified, and interconnected.

Through observation, experimentation, research, and hands-on study, they explore topics ranging from astronomy, geology, chemistry, physics, and climate to botany, zoology, ecology, and the human body.

As students recognize patterns and relationships across the natural world, they develop a growing appreciation for the complexity and diversity of life.

They also begin to consider humanity’s unique place within these systems and the ways our choices shape the world we share, laying a foundation for thoughtful inquiry, ethical awareness, and responsible stewardship.

From the formation of the Earth and the evolution of life to the development of human societies and civilizations, students delve into the story of our world and the people who have shaped it.

Through geography, history, and cultural studies, they investigate how people have lived, adapted, migrated, created communities, and responded to their fundamental needs across time and place.

Students consider both the experiences that make cultures unique and the universal needs that connect us all.

By studying the past and engaging with diverse perspectives, they develop a deeper understanding of the world they inhabit and a thoughtful appreciation for the complexity, creativity, and interconnectedness of human experience.

Through reflection, daily planning, teacher check-ins, and regular conversations about their progress, interests, relationships, and challenges, they learn to recognize what helps them concentrate, manage their time, organize their work, and persevere.

Students strengthen their ability to collaborate, navigate conflict, express their needs, appreciate different perspectives, and contribute thoughtfully to their community.

As they gain greater awareness of their strengths, learning needs, and personal strategies for success, they become increasingly confident in making choices that honor themselves and those around them.

They work with a variety of media and materials, study elements such as color, composition, rhythm, and perspective, and develop greater skill and intention in their creative work.

Through music and performance, students strengthen their ability to listen, communicate, collaborate, and express themselves with confidence.

Whether creating a painting, composing music, designing a set, or stepping onto a stage, students experience the arts as meaningful forms of expression and as sources of inspiration that enrich how they understand and engage with the world.

Movement is also woven into the school day, giving students opportunities to connect physical activity with learning, problem-solving, and community.

Through cooperative games and team sports, students practice communication, collaboration, sportsmanship, and navigating both success and challenge.

They are encouraged to set personal goals, recognize their own growth, and discover strategies that help them persevere.

These experiences foster a positive relationship with movement, the outdoors, and their own well-being, building healthy habits and confidence that can last a lifetime.

As they build vocabulary and confidence, they deepen their understanding of language and culture while developing an appreciation for different perspectives and ways of connecting with the world.

Students build confidence in Spanish through listening, speaking, reading, writing, and interactive language experiences.

They expand their vocabulary, strengthen their understanding of grammar, and use Spanish in conversations, stories, songs, role-play, and other meaningful activities.

Through the study of Spanish-speaking countries, including their geography, history, customs, and traditions, students develop a deeper understanding of the many cultures and perspectives that make up the Spanish-speaking world.

As they grow their language skills and cultural knowledge, students develop an appreciation for the richness of multilingual communities and greater confidence connecting with others across languages and cultures.

They navigate new environments, conduct research, collaborate, solve problems, and experience firsthand how their learning connects to real people, places, and questions.

Going Outs are student-initiated extensions of classroom learning. When students reach the limits of the resources available to them at school, they look to the wider community for what they need to continue their work. This might mean visiting a specific location, gathering materials, conducting research, or interviewing an expert. Students plan and carry out these outings, developing organization, navigation, communication, problem-solving, and the confidence to seek out information and resources for themselves.

Science Camp takes learning into the beautiful landscapes of the Pacific Northwest through four-day, three-night excursions focused on hands-on science and environmental learning. Through hiking, observation, exploration, and field study, students experience firsthand the natural systems and relationships they have explored in the classroom.

The 6th Grade Capstone Trip brings together many of the skills they have developed throughout Upper Elementary. Students spend the year planning, organizing, and fundraising for their trip, coordinating events such as Pizza Fridays and Bingo Nights and creating and selling custom sweatshirts. They practice long-term planning, goal setting, organization, time management, budgeting, communication, collaboration, delegation, problem-solving, and follow-through as they work together toward a shared goal.

These experiences help students see themselves as capable learners who can find information, navigate unfamiliar situations, work with others, and turn ideas into action. They carry these skills with them as they move into adolescence and beyond.