Upper Elementary
The Upper Elementary Program at our school provides a holistic approach to education for students aged 9 to 12, spanning fourth through sixth grades. With two certified Montessori teachers per classroom, students benefit from personalized attention and guidance, supported by classrooms featuring fully equipped kitchens and expansive outdoor areas.
As children transition into this stage, their capacity for abstract thinking blossoms. Our curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to align with these developmental milestones, nurturing intellectual growth, emotional resilience, and personalized learning journeys. Through a diverse array of subjects such as mathematics, language arts, sciences, and humanities, students embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, stimulating critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Integral to our program is the philosophy of Cosmic Education, a cornerstone of the Montessori approach. Cosmic Education instills in students a profound sense of interconnectedness with the world around them. Through interdisciplinary exploration, students uncover the links between subjects and recognize their place in the broader cosmos. This holistic perspective empowers students to become compassionate, informed global citizens, shaping their understanding of humanity and the universe.
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In addition to academic pursuits, our program places a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning. We integrate mindfulness practices to nurture empathy, resilience, and effective communication skills. Guided by the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, our curriculum emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, fostering independence, creativity, and self-discovery.
Enrichment opportunities abound, with students participating in art, Spanish, physical education, and music classes taught by specialist instructors. Community service projects, field trips, and overnight excursions deepen students' understanding of the world.
In the sixth year, students undertake Senior Explorations, engaging in year-long research projects on topics of personal interest. This culminates in presentations and creative projects, allowing students to showcase their findings and demonstrate their academic growth.
Fostering community and collaboration, our program cultivates meaningful relationships and values cooperation, respect, and empathy. Environmental stewardship is integrated, promoting sustainability and conservation through outdoor exploration and education.
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Highlights
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Structured Learning Environment: Students begin their day with a morning circle, set goals, and engage in the work cycle, followed by afternoon specials classes.
Enrichment Opportunities: Students participate in art, Spanish, physical education, and music classes with specialists. They also enjoy numerous enrichment activities such as field trips, community service projects, and overnight trips.
Outdoor Education: Our extensive outdoor areas serve as natural extensions of the classroom, providing opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration of the environment.
Individualized Learning: With two certified Montessori teachers per classroom, students receive personalized attention and guidance tailored to their unique learning styles and interests.
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Curriculum
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Language & Literary Skills
- Grammar Study: From classifying nouns to identifying pronouns and conjunctions, students delve into the mechanics of language.
- Written and Oral Communication: Students explore various forms of written expression, from creative writing to research reports, and develop effective public speaking skills.
Mathematics & Geometry
- Number Theory and Composition: Students learn about place value, prime numbers, fractions, decimals, and basic arithmetic operations.
- Graphs, Charts, and Measurement: Practical applications of mathematical concepts include interpreting data, creating graphs, and performing calculations with fractions and decimals.
- Number Theory and Composition: Students explore the hierarchy of the decimal system, prime numbers, and operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Fractions and Decimals: Concepts include equivalent fractions, operations with fractions and decimals, converting between different forms, and solving word problems.
- Graphs, Charts, and Measurement: Students interpret data, create various types of graphs, calculate measurements, and understand concepts like mean, median, mode, and range.
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Science
- General Sciences: Students explore the scientific method, physical science, biology, and environmental science topics such as ecosystems and the water cycle.
- Biology: From the classification of living organisms to the study of human anatomy and physiology, students gain a comprehensive understanding of biological concepts.
Geography & History
- Geography: Students learn about latitude and longitude, major biomes, and global geography through hands-on activities and map studies.
- History: Through Montessori's Great Lessons and the study of ancient civilizations, students develop a deep appreciation for human history and cultural diversity.
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Social/Emotional Learning
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MCS prioritizes Social and Emotional Learning through targeted programs and practices designed to support students' overall well-being. Through mindfulness practices, students engage in skill-building activities aimed at enhancing their social skills, emotional intelligence, empathy, and problem-solving abilities. These practices foster a sense of community and safety within the school environment, providing students with tools to develop self-awareness, self-esteem, self-discipline, and interpersonal skills.
Additionally, MCS offers a comprehensive curriculum tailored to fifth, seventh, and eighth-year students, focusing on navigating the transition into adolescence. Specialized classes explore the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty, covering topics such as values, sexuality, communication, and decision-making. Each session includes a take-home activity designed to encourage meaningful conversations between parents/guardians and their children, fostering open dialogue and understanding during this critical stage of development.
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Technology Integration
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In Upper Elementary, technology is integrated into the classroom to enrich the learning process. The main objective is to familiarize students with technology's role in data presentation and communication. Students will learn about using various software tools such as Google Slides for presentations, Google Sheets for spreadsheets, and Google Docs for outlining and report writing, empowering them to engage with technology confidently and effectively.
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Field Trips
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Upper Elementary students explore learning beyond the classroom through day and overnight field trips. They have two three-day, two-night field trips in the Fall and Spring. Additionally, Students also take the lead in organizing "going-out" experiences, tailored to their individual research interests, fostering a sense of independence and ownership. For sixth-year students, a transformative trip to Washington, DC, forms the completion of their year-long research papers, enriching both academic learning and personal growth.
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