Upper Elementary Program (Ages 9 Years – 12 Years, Grades 4–6)
Pinewoods Upper Elementary is a nurturing learning community, based on the guiding principles of Maria Montessori. Following her pedagogy and our school’s mission, educators work as guides to support the academic, cognitive, social, and physical development of students. Educators deliver a comprehensive curriculum through a team-based model that supports the students’ need for in-depth instruction and practice within the disciplines of language, mathematics, culture, and the sciences. Upper Elementary students continue to enjoy extended outdoor time and a materials-rich curriculum that includes music, movement, fine art, and Spanish.
The Upper Elementary program supports children’s discovery of their place within the group and within society. Thus, much activity at the elementary level takes place in groups, with children sharing, collaborating, and passionately exploring material together. Students’ understanding of mutual respect is inherent in the entire community and continues to be strengthened and reinforced in academic work, group activities, community meetings, and service. They learn to respectfully debate and discuss topics, share ideas, and defend their well-researched stance.
Montessori found that at this developmental stage, children are intrinsically motivated to increase their academic rigor. They want to exhaust certain topics of their choosing and they are eager to learn everything, especially the obscure and unusual. In Upper Elementary, learning is calibrated to student interests and abilities, and time is allotted for deep exploration.
In Upper Elementary, children are encouraged to make cross-curricular connections through interdisciplinary projects. Project-based learning is complex, relevant, and meaningful. This past year, Upper Elementary designed their class library and published a community cookbook, a fundraising and service project.
Upper Elementary explores the world beyond our Pinewoods campus through a speaker series, day trips, and overnight excursions.
The Upper Elementary program supports children’s discovery of their place within the group and within society. Thus, much activity at the elementary level takes place in groups, with children sharing, collaborating, and passionately exploring material together. Students’ understanding of mutual respect is inherent in the entire community and continues to be strengthened and reinforced in academic work, group activities, community meetings, and service. They learn to respectfully debate and discuss topics, share ideas, and defend their well-researched stance.
Montessori found that at this developmental stage, children are intrinsically motivated to increase their academic rigor. They want to exhaust certain topics of their choosing and they are eager to learn everything, especially the obscure and unusual. In Upper Elementary, learning is calibrated to student interests and abilities, and time is allotted for deep exploration.
In Upper Elementary, children are encouraged to make cross-curricular connections through interdisciplinary projects. Project-based learning is complex, relevant, and meaningful. This past year, Upper Elementary designed their class library and published a community cookbook, a fundraising and service project.
Upper Elementary explores the world beyond our Pinewoods campus through a speaker series, day trips, and overnight excursions.
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