Art by Melia Age 9

The Upper Elementary – Middle School Years

During this stage of development the young person is back in a period of self-construction. The child is becoming an adolescent and is often introverted and self-conscious. The adolescent is usually very sensitive and embarrasses easily. He/ she experiences self doubt, hesitations, emotions and discouragement.

In preparation for adulthood, he/she is interested in social organization and other peoples of the world. There is a strong need to discover both self and society in order to take his/her place as a contributing member of that society. The goal of this exploration is the creation of the socially conscious individual. Here, the young person is able to grasp the need for, and able to develop, a respect for commitment to a code of civility for their lives as adult citizens. According to Dr. Montessori; behaviour befitting a citizen can best be accomplished through active and full participation in the society during the adolescent years.
Mentally, the adolescent is able to discuss abstract ideas and reason through to conclusions based on evidence. He is interested in discussing moral and spiritual issues, the purpose of life and the meaning of death. He likes to debate and explore what others are thinking and feeling and he uses creative expression as a means of self-expression and self-discovery.

Art by Aidan Age 10

Teacher: Kate Richer
Kate developed the Leadership program in 2009 to meet the needs of students as they begin to develop unique personalities and interests. Through activities such as planning school events, helping younger students, peer-teaching, and community outreach projects, the students have an opportunity to become more confident, conscientious, and immersed in their school life and in their community. Students in Kates class are taught how to access information and represent it through long-term individual or group projects. Students delve into current events and learn to explore multiple sides of an issue through class discussions, reading, writing, and hands-on experience when possible.
Students are encouraged to stretch themselves to do their best, while at the same time acknowledging their own individual strengths and challenges. Small class size allows time for students to share their work with their peers, and practice complimenting and supporting each other. As the upper elementary group prepares to head off to middle school, Kate tries to ease them into independence through guiding students to solve their own problems, develop time-management skills, and develop strong personal ethics and guidelines.

Enrichment Classes
*Art, French, Music, Horticulture, Theatre are taught in the whole school, and multicultural celebrations and events happen throughout the year.

Art by Audrey Age 10