Upper Elementary

Development of the Whole Child

What sets Montessori apart in the elementary years—ages 6 -12 years —is the individually paced curriculum that challenges children academically and safeguards their well-being and sense of self. Engaging as contributing members of a respectful community, they learn to question, think critically, and take responsibility for their own learning—skills that will support them later in education and in life.

As at all Montessori levels, the Upper Elementary program is based on the belief that children learn best through movement and work with their hands, providing cognitive, social, and emotional support to help them reach their full potential. This includes addressing their needs as they enter a new period of development characterized by:

• A transition from concrete to abstract thinking.
• A growing interest in socialization.
• Thinking and memory that is enhanced by creativity and imagination.
• An interest in fairness, social justice, and compassion.

Holistic Exploration of the World

Upper Elementary students learn through outside partnerships and experiences beyond the classroom. Outside partnerships and field trips include:

• Relationship with Massachusetts Audubon, both locally and in Wellesley through its "Sea Turtle Saving on the Cape"
• Gulf of Maine Institute (GOMI) "Dragonfly Project"
• MIT (Edgerton Center) two trips a year for science and engineering. 
• Nature's Classroom overnight trips
• Pepper Weed pulling
• Boston Tea Party, Lowell Mills, JFK Library, Edward Kennedy Institute and local plays supporting the arts.