Enlightened Journey Montessori

Upper Elementary Information

About our classroom…

Our Upper Elementary program serves students in Grades 4–6 and is designed to support children during the second plane of development, a time marked by growing independence, critical thinking, and a strong desire to understand the world and their place within it.

Students new to Montessori are always welcome. We assess each child’s academic and developmental level and thoughtfully guide them forward, ensuring both confidence and challenge as they transition into a more advanced learning environment.

Schedule

Drop-off: 8:15–8:30 AM
Pick-up: 2:45 PM

Our Upper Elementary classroom supports a wide range of learners. Whether a student needs reinforcement in core subjects, seeks greater academic challenge, or thrives through project-based and collaborative work, our program adapts to meet individual needs while encouraging responsibility, leadership, and self-direction.

A young student wearing glasses focuses intently on their schoolwork, writing with a yellow pencil.

Our philosophy…

The ideology of an Upper Elementary Montessori classroom centers on supporting students’; intellectual, social, and emotional growth during the “second plane of development” as identified by Dr. Maria Montessori. This stage is characterized by students’ growing curiosity about the world, increasing independence, and desire to understand their role within the larger community. The guiding principles of the classroom foster autonomy, collaboration, and a deep respect for individuality and interconnectedness. Most Upper Elementary students can see the consequences of certain actions and thoughts on others and on the world as a whole. Each disagreement becomes the opportunity for the students to practice peace-making skills that apply to all aspects of their lives, inside and outside of the classroom. Each instance of injustice or inequity discussed in current events or noticed in a field of study becomes an opportunity for students to think about the interconnection of all the things.

Our curriculum…

Cultural studies are the heart of the Montessori Upper Elementary curriculum, where students explore the interconnectedness of humanity, the natural world, and the universe. Grounded in the philosophy of Cosmic Education, cultural studies integrate history, geography, science, and the arts to provide students with a broad, interdisciplinary understanding of the world and their place within it. Upper Elementary Students have the background information they need to explore in more detail how early people worked together to meet common needs.

In the Upper Elementary classroom, Montessori math builds on the concrete foundation established in earlier years, guiding students toward abstract reasoning and critical thinking. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, with math connected to real-world applications, geometry, science, and history, fostering a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and their relevance. Our Upper Elementary math curriculum inspires students to see math as a dynamic and essential tool for understanding the world, cultivating both practical skills and intellectual curiosity. The language curriculum in the Montessori Upper Elementary classroom fosters advanced literacy skills, critical thinking, and effective communication. Building on foundational skills from the Lower Elementary years, the curriculum encourages students to explore language in all its forms—reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It also emphasizes language’s role in human history, culture, and expression, nurturing a deep appreciation for its power and versatility. Our goal is to help the students to develop the skills and confidence needed to communicate effectively, think critically, and
engage meaningfully with the world around them. During the Upper Elementary years truly emerging as individuals. As these students approach adolescence, they begin to express themselves as their own person with unique discrimination, preferences and boundaries. While Enlightened Journey Montessori respect their boundaries, we will keep the parents posted through Transparent Classroom their personal and academic growth.