Grades 4-6  |  Monday - Friday 8:20 am - 3:00 pm

Advanced work in mathematics, history and cultural studies, geography, natural science, writing, literature, foreign language, arts, and music build naturally from the Lower Elementary years. Year-long cultural studies units cover ancient civilizations, American history (with a focus on North Carolina), and the study of early humans. The science curriculum cycles through chemistry, human biology, and physical machines over the three-year period.

Practical life lessons at this level are largely student-directed, and include preparation for artistic performances, cooking and planning for events, or organizing fundraisers for the annual class trips. Social mores and rituals are of increasing interest to the preadolescent and are reinforced by the character values curriculum. An expectation of community service affirms the sense of social interdependence emerging at this age. Students in this class collectively create a respectful, self-reliant community.

Classroom work centers on projects, research, writing, and hands-on activities that can be individualized for maximum student success. Assignments at this level often include a wider range of creative choices in how to present material, furthering the student’s capability as a self-directed learner, an attribute Montessori children carry with them throughout life. Sixth grade culminates in a year-long Independent Project, with guidance from teachers in advanced research and presentation skills.

Regular assessment is carried out by both students and teachers, and a nationally-normed, standardized test is taken by all students at this level each year.

Download the Upper Elementary Curriculum