Upper Elementary School Day

Fourth and 5th Years spend much of their day in the classroom engaged in self-directed exploration and learning. Integral to the UE school day is the uninterrupted work cycle, during which students have the freedom to engage in sustained, focused work without interruption. Upper Els are guided by a work plan outlining the upcoming two weeks of assignments and are supported in learning to manage their time independently. 

The school day includes opportunities for one on-one-one and small group instruction as well as individual and group work. Lessons in language, literature, poetry, mathematics and geometry, geography, science and history are presented as related parts of a unified whole, and there is emphasis on integrating concepts from multiple disciplines and connecting learning to real-world scenarios. Students demonstrate mastery through daily and long-term assignments, projects and presentations. 

There is also opportunity for Upper Elementary students to venture beyond the classroom for their specials and for Spanish class. Throughout the day, students are grouped in as many different ways as possible — by age, ability, interest, need and gender, for example — to encourage socialization and peer teaching as well as to promote greater comfort with diversity of all kinds, tolerance and better negotiation skills.  

Regular School Day

Drop-off at 8:20 AM 

The Upper Elementary classrooms open at 8:20 a.m. to allow students time to unpack their things and get ready for the school day which begins at 8:30 a.m.. 

Morning Work Cycle

Integral to the UE school day is the uninterrupted work cycle, during which students have the freedom to engage in sustained, focused work without interruption.

Recess and Lunch at Noon

Both Upper Elementary classes break at noon to enjoy recess together on the Elementary Playground and adjacent woods. Building and maintaining forts  — along with developing the accompanying governments and currencies — is a prefered recess activity for 4th and 5th Years. After recess, the Upper Elementary classes return to their outdoor classrooms, where they enjoy lunch with classmates. Both recess and lunch are held outside unless the weather is unsuitable. 

Afternoon Work & Specials 

After recess, Upper Els return to the classroom for work and specials. While art, movement and music are integrated into the daily life of our Upper Elementary program, students at this level also have the opportunity to explore these areas in greater depth with dedicated faculty throughout the week. 

Dismissal at 3:15 PM

EXTENDED DAY OPTIONS

Morning Care 7:45—8:20 AM

Once UE students have completed their phase-in cycle and are comfortable with their transition to school, they may be enrolled in Morning Care, which is available Mondays through Fridays regularly and on an as-needed basis if there is space. 

After Care 3:15—5 PM

Once UE students have completed their phase-in cycle, they may be enrolled in After Care, which is available Mondays through Fridays regularly and on an as-needed basis if there is space. 

Enrichment Offerings 3:15—5 PM

A variety of enrichment courses are offered throughout the year for Upper Elementary students. Enrichment fees vary.

Check Back Soon for Fall 2023 Enrichment Offerings