Upper Elementary (Ages 9–12)

Where Curiosity Deepens and Purpose
Begins to Emerge

At Grace Montessori Academy, our Upper Elementary program (Grades 4–6) is designed for students entering what Maria Montessori called the Intellectual Period — a stage defined by a growing capacity for reason, abstraction, and personal responsibility. In this dynamic phase of development, children are hungry for knowledge, eager to understand the “why” behind the world, and ready to explore their role in it. We meet them with a rich, integrated curriculum grounded in Christian truth and a supportive, collaborative classroom environment.

“The Academy’s emphasis on independence, leadership, and community has had a lasting impact on her character and worldview.”

— GMA Parent

Why Upper Elementary at Grace Montessori?

Children in the 9–12 age range are stepping into a bigger world — intellectually, spiritually, and socially. They crave meaningful work, belonging, and a sense of purpose. Our program is designed to meet these needs with challenge, encouragement, and beauty.

At Grace Montessori, your child will:

Deepen their reasoning and analytical thinking skills

Explore advanced academic concepts through integrated, hands-on learning

Develop strong communication and leadership abilities

Discover how their learning connects to God’s greater plan

Build confidence in their identity and voice as learners and image-bearers of Christ

A Living Curriculum

A Rich and Integrated Curriculum

Our Upper Elementary curriculum is intentionally layered to help students grow in independence, mastery, and moral responsibility — all while nurturing their natural curiosity and creativity.

Communication + Language Arts

Students refine their ability to express themselves with clarity, beauty, and purpose — both orally and in writing.

  • Grammar, mechanics, and diagramming
  • Advanced sentence construction and paragraph development
  • Research reports, persuasive writing, poetry, and storytelling
  • Vocabulary development through Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes
  • Ongoing journaling, presentations, and class discussions
  • Programs used: Excellence in Writing, Voyages in English

 

“Language is the breath of the spirit.” — Montessori

Mathematics + Geometry

Students are guided through increasingly abstract and applied math concepts, always building on a solid, hands-on foundation.

  • Mastery of operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
  • Ratios, proportions, and percentages
  • Introduction to algebraic thinking and geometry
  • Volume, area, surface area, and shape classification
  • Real-world application through charts, graphs, and problem-solving
  • Integration of historical context through the Great Lesson in Mathematics

 

“Without math, the complexities of cultures would not have occurred.”

Cultural Studies (History, Science, + Geography)

Our three-year cultural cycle helps students understand their place in God’s unfolding plan — past, present, and future.

Cycle One:

  • Prehistoric cultures (Sumer, Egypt, China, Indus Valley)
  • River civilizations, domestication, agriculture
  • Earth science, physics, astronomy, health foundations

Cycle Two:

  • Classical civilizations (Greece, Rome, Hebrew, Arab cultures)
  • The Middle Ages and Renaissance
  • Chemistry, weather systems, oceanography, circulation, atmosphere

Cycle Three:

  • Modern history and global cultures
  • Introduction to the "Blank Page" — the student’s personal role in God’s plan
  • Life sciences (botany, zoology), ecology, astronomy, and health

 

“Cultural studies help students see that knowledge is not isolated — it’s all part of God’s intentional design.”

Faith Integration

Faith is not a separate subject — it’s woven throughout everything we teach.

  • Daily Bible study and devotions
  • Faith and character development
  • Reflection on the child’s “Blank Page” — their unique place in God’s story
  • Christian worldview applied to history, science, and literature
  • Emphasis on gratitude, service, and moral responsibility
Enrichment + Leadership Opportunities
  • Latin (Prima Latina program)
  • Music (Band or General Music)
  • Art
  • Physical Education
  • Field Trips
  • Community Service Outreach

The Montessori Difference

Here’s what makes our Montessori approach distinct:

Students choose challenging work, set goals, and manage their time — with daily guidance from a teacher who deeply knows each child.

Our teachers stay with students for three years, allowing for mentorship, continuity, and trust.

Classrooms are filled with advanced Montessori materials and designed for collaboration, contemplation, and discovery.

Older students mentor younger ones, lead group work, and develop confidence through shared responsibility.

shaping character

Growth We
Intentionally Nurture

Our role is to prepare the environment, provide the tools, and offer the guidance that allows each student to mature in:

Frequently Asked Questions

We focus on building strong academic foundations, while also developing executive functioning skills like time management, organization, and personal responsibility. Students practice goal-setting, manage their own work plans, and are given increasing independence with support. 

Upper Elementary (Grades 4–6) is a transformative time when students begin to think more abstractly, ask deeper questions, and take ownership of their learning. At GMA, we meet them with meaningful academic challenges, daily opportunities for leadership, and a faith-based environment that supports their growing sense of identity and purpose.

Our Montessori model is built around the idea that every child learns differently. Students receive individualized lessons based on their readiness and are free to move through the curriculum at their own pace. Advanced learners are challenged with deeper work, while students who need more practice are supported through hands-on materials and teacher guidance.

Yes! Older students mentor younger classmates, lead group projects, and participate in service outreach. These experiences build communication skills, empathy, and responsibility.

Take a tour

Could you picture your child thriving at Grace?

Ready to learn more? Schedule a tour and see the difference Montessori can make!