UPPER ELEMENTARY
AGES 9-12 | GRADES 4-6
Our uniquely designed, two-story multi-age classroom is where all our upper elementary students gather. A team of two Montessori-certified teachers and one assistant work together, with each pupil having an assigned teacher-advisor to monitor their individual progress daily. These two educators share the collective responsibility of delivering Montessori curriculum lessons.
FULL DAY
Monday-Thursday : 8:30-3:00 pm | Friday 8:30-2:30 pm
At this level, our curriculum expands to encompass advanced research and writing, mathematical reasoning and geometric demonstrations, scientific experimentation and problem-solving, analysis of language and literature, and a broader understanding of various cultures and civilizations. Our focus on Spanish language acquisition emphasizes the mastery of verb conjugations and development of conversational abilities. Our music instruction is geared towards creating a deeper comprehension of melody, rhythm, harmony, and style. Students may opt for individual music lessons, participation in band, jazz band, or chorus. Our curriculum includes art and art history, as we believe it to be an integral part of our cultural curriculum.
The physical education program at the upper elementary level emphasizes motor-skill development, cooperative learning, and lifelong fitness through games, dance, and team sports. Swimming instruction is an essential part of the program, with fourth graders receiving six weeks of lessons.
At the upper elementary level, we continue to prioritize hands-on learning experiences. However, we also emphasize the development of abstract thinking and imagination. During our fall Open House, upper elementary students showcase their historical interpretation skills through elaborate sets, costumes, and dialogue. Our literature circles, wide range of writing projects and contests, and instructional-level spelling program advance their reading and writing skills. Students can participate in weekly practice sessions for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the National Geography Bee, and the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest.
Sixth-grade students undertake an "Expert Project" in which they write a 15-20 page research paper on a topic of their choosing and present their findings in a PowerPoint presentation to family, friends, and the CVMS community. Additionally, upper elementary students have short-term follow-ups and long-term research and projects outside of class. As students log their work in their planners, they learn to set priorities and budget their time.
As students approach adolescence, their socialization skills become increasingly important. By participating in decision-making and problem-solving processes, organizing and managing class activities, and engaging in community service projects, they learn how to manage peer relationships effectively. Upper elementary students at CVMS spend around two-and-a-half hours each month helping younger students, and they organize fundraisers, including bake sales, to support class trips and give to organizations like the local SPCA.
In preparation for their transition to middle school, fifth and sixth graders end their academic year with a three-day trip to Niagara Falls or a Catskill environmental camp. Fourth-grade students explore local trips and activities, sharpening their various skills. Additionally, our sixth-graders are given the responsibility of managing a class store and pursuing a "Legacy Project." This project stresses the importance of giving back to their community and may include a service gesture to the school or surrounding community.
MICHELE JOHNSON
Upper Elementary Teacher
NICHOLE SANFRATELLO
Upper Elementary Teacher