Upper Elementary (4th – 6th)

Upper Elementary focuses on developing the mathematical and imaginative mind, integrating knowledge across subject areas and deepening cultural awareness and moral values.

Ages: 9 – 12
Grades: 4^th – 6^th

In the Classroom

The Upper Elementary has 50 students in one community, with class time shared between the STEM and Humanities teachers. Students start the day in either math or language, then switch mid-morning after a community snack break. Afternoons are open work time, along with specials classes such as Art, Music, Spanish, and PE. Students attend atrium once a week for 2 hours.

Students use a weekly planner to manage their time, working with daily, weekly, and monthly assignments.

Homework

Upper Elementary students are given regular homework to practice foundational skills in grammar and math. It’s given on a weekly basis (assigned on Fridays, due on the following Thursday) in order to help students develop time management, organization, and independence.

Students also have in-depth projects at times throughout the year, such as Family History project, literature projects, and STEM challenges.

Field Trips

Each fall, the Upper El class spends three days and two overnights at YMCA Camp Kern. This gives students a chance to build relationships and learn to work together through outdoor education experiences, such as rock climbing, canoeing, fossil ravine hikes, and teamwork challenges.

In addition, Upper El will take other field trips over the three years that correspond to the units of study, such as the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Cincinnati Zoo, or the Newport Aquarium.

Technology

Each student is assigned a Chromebook to be used on specific tasks during school, such as Typetastic for typing practice and Aleks for math skills practice and extensions.