Upper Elementary

Montessori Upper El students during a work cycle

Part two of the Montessori School of Northampton elementary experience is Upper Elementary (grades 4-6). Montessori Upper Elementary falls within what Dr. Montessori called the “Second Plane of Development” (ages 6-12).

In Upper Elementary, students take what they learned in Lower Elementary and dig deeper to develop a broader world view, express their own ideas, and make sense of the science and history of human culture.

At this level, students begin to forge their own path. They learn how to study, organize their days, and meet deadlines. These executive functioning skills strengthen their confidence, independence, accountability, and self-discipline. It’s here that they start to become the person they will be.

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Ages 9-12

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The Great Lessons

Dr. Montessori called the elementary curriculum the ‘cosmic’ curriculum. An extension of the Great Lessons from Lower Elementary, students in Upper Elementary reach a higher level understanding of abstract concepts, exploring themes and topics in greater depth. For instance, they go beyond the event of the Big Bang to the underlying science of how elements are created within the stars.

Large and Small Group Work

Two Montessori Upper Elementary students work together on an art project

In Montessori Upper Elementary, students work with the teachers to set their educational goals for the week, and take responsibility for accomplishing them.

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.

Hands On Learning

A Montessori Upper El student works on a science project

In the Upper Elementary program, students continue to refine their academic skills. They move beyond concrete materials to more abstract ideas, they are encouraged to identify and pursue their passions, they develop an expertise through ongoing research and, where possible, participate in hands-on experiences in a field of their choosing.

Projects might include designing and creating a simple machine or making applesauce to share with their peers.

Mystery History

Every year, Montessori Upper Elementary students study authors, advocates, athletes, legislators, scientists, and other historic figures. Then, for a day, they become them. Students dress up as and deliver an autobiographical report from the point-of-view of that person and discover how they made an impact on the world .

Biomimicry Project

Montessori Upper El students assemble for their Biomimicry Musical project

The Biomimicry Project is another hallmark of Montessori Upper Elementary. Calling upon their research, presentation, and artistic skills, students bring abstract ideas and scientific concepts to life. With younger students in attendance, the project also sparks excitement for Lower Elementary and Children’s House students who see the fun that awaits them.

Montessori Upper El students enjoy a field trip on a farm fishing in the pond and holding a baby goat

Special Events

The depth of scientific learning in Upper Elementary brings students closer and closer to nature. On top of regular Outdoor Enrichment, students venture to a local farm for an intensive hands-on science project. Work includes milking cows, skimming ponds, animal care, arts and crafts, preparing meals, chores, and more.

Socialization

Two Montessori Upper El students work together on an assignment

In addition to group work that builds collaboration among their peers, Montessori Upper Elementary students help prepare the elders of Lower Elementary (3rd graders) for the next level with field trips, special meals, and collaborative work cycles.

Toward the end of the year, 6th graders connect with 7th graders who will be their classmates in the next school year to begin building camaraderie and get a sense of the middle school experience.