UPPER ELEMENTARY

Developing Thinkers, Leaders, and Lifelong Learners in Grades 4–6

The Upper Elementary Program at Uxbridge Montessori School offers a rich and engaging academic experience designed for students in Grades 4 through 6. At this stage, children are entering a powerful period of intellectual curiosity, social development, and emerging independence. They want to know not just what but why—and Montessori education is uniquely positioned to meet them where they are.

 

Rooted in the Montessori philosophy, the Upper Elementary program nurtures academic excellence, critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership, helping students strengthen their identity as capable, responsible learners.

Program Highlights

Deepening Academic and Social Understanding

Upper Elementary students are ready to explore ideas in greater depth, apply what they know, and make connections across disciplines. Our program blends individual study, group collaboration, and project-based learning in the following key areas:

  • Language Arts – Essay writing, grammar, creative writing, literary analysis, and public speaking
  • Mathematics – Long division, fractions, decimals, percentages, geometry, and algebraic reasoning
  • Sciences – Hands-on exploration of physical, life, and earth sciences through experimentation and inquiry
  • History & Geography – Early civilizations, Canadian and global history, cultural studies, and world geography
  • Practical Life & Executive Skills – Time management, note-taking, research, self-reflection, and goal setting

As they gain independence, students begin planning their own projects, managing deadlines, conducting independent research, and presenting their findings. They are also encouraged to take on mentorship and leadership roles, both in the classroom and school-wide.

The Montessori Difference in Upper Elementary

Montessori education in the upper grades is deeply experiential and student-driven. Our educators act as academic coaches and mentors, encouraging students to ask meaningful questions, dig deeper into their interests, and tackle real-world problems.

What sets this stage apart:

  • Individualized work plans tailored to each student’s progress and goals
  • Multi-age learning environments where students develop empathy, leadership, and collaboration
  • Freedom with responsibility, allowing children to make choices while being held to high expectations
  • Integration of current events and global awareness to help students understand their place in the world

Instead of rote learning, students build true understanding, ownership, and critical thinking—essential skills for high school, post-secondary education, and life.

Preparing for Middle School and Beyond

Upper Elementary is a transformative time when students become more aware of their strengths, values, and goals. Our program gives them the tools to navigate increasing academic expectations and social complexity with confidence and clarity.

Students graduate from this stage with:

  • Strong academic foundations
  • Executive functioning and study skills
  • Leadership experience
  • A love of learning
  • A deep sense of responsibility for themselves and their community

They are well-prepared to transition into Middle School—equipped not just for the next academic level, but for the demands of life in a rapidly changing world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Upper Elementary Montessori is designed to support students at a time when they’re asking deeper questions, seeking independence, and developing more complex reasoning skills. Unlike traditional education, which often focuses on memorization and tests, Montessori emphasizes research, analysis, collaboration, and purposeful work. Students take more responsibility for their learning and are guided to explore big ideas in meaningful ways.

Assessment is based on teacher observation, student portfolios, project work, and regular conferences. Each student receives individualized feedback and works toward personalized academic goals. While we do not use traditional letter grades, parents receive comprehensive progress reports and attend regular check-ins with educators to discuss development across all areas.

Montessori students in Upper Elementary create personalized work plans, which they manage with guidance from their teacher. They learn to set goals, meet deadlines, and reflect on their progress. This system cultivates intrinsic motivation, time management, and self-discipline—key skills for high school and beyond.

Our curriculum includes:

  • Language arts: grammar, writing, spelling, reading comprehension, literature

  • Mathematics: long division, fractions, decimals, geometry, algebraic concepts

  • Science: biology, physics, chemistry, and earth sciences through experiments and investigations

  • History and Geography: timelines, cultural studies, early civilizations, world and Canadian history

  • Practical life and social skills: research, organization, leadership, and collaboration

Yes. The Upper Elementary program is carefully structured to prepare students for the academic expectations, independence, and social maturity required in Middle School. UMS students build strong academic foundations, executive functioning skills, and the confidence to transition smoothly into the next stage of learning.

New students are supported through a gentle orientation process. Our educators introduce the materials, routines, and expectations gradually, while classmates and peer mentors help integrate new learners into the community. Many students join Montessori at this level and thrive with personalized support.

Multi-age classrooms promote natural leadership and peer learning. Older students model skills and guide younger classmates, reinforcing their own knowledge while developing empathy and responsibility. Younger students benefit from observing more advanced work, gaining inspiration and confidence.

See Upper Elementary Montessori in Action

Discover how our Upper Elementary Program helps students become confident thinkers, capable leaders, and lifelong learners. We invite you to tour our school, observe a classroom in session, and experience firsthand how Montessori education prepares children for success—in school and in life.

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