Children in Upper Elementary cross the bridge between learning by hands-on experiences and the abstract understanding of concepts. With a strong foundation in basic skills and a broad cultural overview, Upper Elementary students inquire more deeply into academic studies. They engage in more complicated work integrating a variety of skills, and as their abilities expand, so does their learning environment, as students participate in overnight outings, field trips, and cultural exhibitions.
Upper Elementary is a time when children’s cognitive activities and mental operations become time-efficient, precise, and flexible in accommodating a wide variety of academic and social challenges. Self-expression, particularly among peers, becomes a priority. Upper Elementary children enjoy expressing personal opinions and perspectives and discussing those of their peer group. Tremendous effort is required by children to develop and use the appropriate vocabulary, grammatical structures, thinking strategies, and behaviors that are specific to the demands of particular situations. Grace and courtesy take on more importance than ever in the Upper Elementary years as children mature into adolescence.