Enthusiastic Curriculum for blossoming children
The term “self-propelled interest” best describes this level of Montessori education. The fundamentals for research, abstraction, purposeful and meaningful socialization, appreciation and understanding of interrelated, open-ended learning fuse together at this level. The developmental changes are profound and rapid, and the Whole Child is at full play. The student at this state is dramatic, full of wonder and ideas, and the curriculum supports that high enthusiasm. History and geography take the student on journeys that explore human origins and civilizations both in Ohio and throughout America.

Math becomes fully abstract and leads to advanced concepts of fractions, decimals, algebra, square and cube root, area and volume. The synthesis of the language arts allows for sophisticated expression in both creative and research writing, and well-chosen novels supplement this course of study. Technology is introduced, and by sixth grade, students have progressed in their keyboarding to 45 W.P.M., challenge themselves with Web Quests to supplement their research and introduce PowerPoint to their projects.

Going Out: Experiences beyond the classroom
“Going Out” is a new feature in the Upper Elementary. Periodic trips are student-designed and the ideas are generated from elements selected from the core curriculum. Destinations include Judson Retirement Community, The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, camping trips and a Sixth Grade trip to Colonial Williamsburg, in addition to cultural programs at various Cleveland museums and Severance Hall.

The physical and natural sciences gain a prominence built upon the Lower Elementary exposure. These in-depth studies are supplemented with material from the National Science Resource Center and the Smithsonian Institution. The study of the Spanish language continues its scope and sequence, a natural progression from its introduction at age three. Latin is introduced in the sixth grade and continues through the eighth.

In-depth study, open-ended research, and the capacity for abstraction, foundations laid the lower elementary, both synthesize and expand at the upper elementary level, where developmental changes are profound and rapid. Concepts and impressions that sparked children’s enthusiasm earlier now engage these students in dynamic, interactive and extended learning projects. These children are enthusiastic, dramatic, full of wonder, morally sensitive, and have a great capacity for empathy.

These attributes give expression to the quality and creativity of studies pursued by students across the upper el curriculum. Such curricular investigations include explorations of civilizations and cultures throughout history, throughout the world, and into North America and Ohio, advanced math concepts in fractions, decimals, algebra, square and cube root, area and volume, development of both creative and research writing, weekly novel discussions, indoor and outdoor physical and life science experience, continuation in Spanish, music, and art, the inception of computer technology, and the introduction of Latin for sixth year students. This inclusive approach to education, occurring within a green school environment, fosters a connectedness to all humanity and nurtures their natural desire to make an individual contribution to the world.

The “Upper El” as it is referred to, is a dynamic, interactive learning environment that is a significant link along the Montessori learning continuum, laying the foundation for the challenging curriculum of the Middle School.