UPPER ELEMENTARY Ages 9 – 12 Years
“The child who has completed the period of the 'reasoning mind' at age twelve... has acquired a self-confidence that will allow him to face the difficulties of the next stage, adolescence.”
— Dr. Maria Montessori
UPPER ELEMENTARY: THE AGE OF INTELLECTUAL INDEPENDENCE
Ages 9 – 12 Years (4th – 6th Grade)
Upper Elementary at Brickton is a time of incredible intellectual expansion. As students solidify their foundational skills, the focus shifts toward abstract reasoning, sophisticated research, and social justice. In this "Second Plane of Development," students are no longer just learning about the world—they are learning how to contribute to it.
Core Academic Pillars
Language (Mastery of Expression & Analysis)
The Upper Elementary student uses language as a tool for exploration and influence.
- Literature & Critical Thinking: Students move beyond comprehension to literary analysis, discussing themes, character development, and historical context.
- The Art of Research: Emphasis is placed on multi source research, proper citation, and the ability to synthesize complex information into formal essays and presentations.
- Advanced Grammar: A deep dive into the architecture of language, including advanced sentence diagramming and etymology.
- World Language: Continued Spanish instruction focuses on increased fluency, grammatical structure, and a global appreciation of diverse cultures.
Mathematics
As the student’s mind becomes more capable of abstraction, the use of Montessori materials transitions into pure mental and symbolic math.
- Advanced Operations: Mastery of fractions, decimals, percentages, and the beginning of algebraic thinking.
- Geometry: Students explore the relationships between lines, angles, and volumes, often using geometric constructions to prove mathematical theorems.
- Real-World Math: Practical application through budgeting, data analysis, and architectural measurement.
Cultural Subjects Global
Citizenship, History and Science are taught through the lens of interdependence. We explore how geography shapes culture and how scientific discovery changes the course of human history.
- Science & Ecology: Advanced study of human anatomy, chemistry, and physics. Students engage in long-term environmental projects that emphasize our responsibility to the planet.
- History & Civics: A move from "The Great Lessons" to a detailed study of ancient civilizations, American history, and the mechanics of government.
The Three Responsibilities
In Upper Elementary, the "Three Responsibilities" take on a deeper, more mature meaning as students prepare for the rigors of Middle School.
Cognitive
Executive
Functioning:
Students manage
complex, long-term
assignments and
learn to prioritize
their daily and
weekly work plans
independently.
Social
Peer
Collaboration:
Navigating complex social dynamics through "The Peace Table," group project leadership, and community
service.
Emotional
Self-Reflection:
Building the resilience to view mistakes as data and the to advocate for their own learning needs.
Cosmic Education in Action —
Upper Elementary students take
part in "Going Out"
experiences—trips they plan
themselves to museums, libraries,
or local businesses to further their
specific research interests.
DES PLAINES EXPANSION
Our new two-acre Des Plaines campus offers our Upper Elementary students an unprecedented leadership role. With two acres of land, these students act as "stewards of the soil," leading environmental initiatives, managing outdoor research stations, and mentoring younger students in our expansive new green spaces.
Resources
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE JOURNEY
For a deeper dive into the specific skills mastered at this level, you can review our full documentation or contact us directly at (773) 714.0646 or email info@brickton.org for more information or to make an appointment.
Feedback
The Brickton Experience
“I spent 10 years at Brickton from ages 4-14. Over that time, I learned a lot and made great friendships! One of the things I love most about Brickton is the community. I made so many great friends, both with peers and teachers. I loved being a younger kid at Brickton and looking up to the older students, and then getting to be one of the older kids myself and volunteering with the younger children. I still talk to many people from Brickton, especially my best friend Tayler. Brickton truly did become a home for my entire family. Brickton supported my learning style and helped me grow. Beyond a traditional curriculum, I learned leadership, teamwork, and advocacy. I really enjoyed our outings to Nature's Classroom, New York, and Washington DC. After Brickton, I attended Fenwick High School and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Iowa. I am now at Florida State getting my Master's in Speech and Language Pathology. I hope to work in a private practice with children with Autism or in early intervention services.”
Alexandra Contursi, Brickton Alumna (Class of 2014)
Contact US!
Brickton Montessori School is where every child’s unique talent flourishes through an inspiring Montessori experience. We invite you to tour Brickton and witness first-hand how our students thrive.
Contact us at (773) 714-0646 or email info@brickton.org to schedule a personalized visit.
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