SIXTH GRADE
In this transitional year, students are expected to be more personally responsible for time management and self-advocacy. All sixth graders take Transitions, which teaches essential study skills and supports sixth graders in all areas leading to student success. Focus is on organization, planning, and preparation with regard to navigating homework, schedule, co-curricular commitments and the life of the school day.
The focus of the year is building community in the sixth grade, focusing on skills like empathy, team-building, and inclusion. This is accomplished through grade level retreats, meetings, classes, and trips.
In sixth grade the transition from concrete to abstract thinking is supported. Teachers facilitate the growth of each child’s abstract thinking and logical reasoning ability. During this year, students are also developing their critical thinking skills and habits of the mind. This takes place in all aspects of the sixth grade experience, including experiential activities like Surgery Day, where hospital personnel bring authentic surgical equipment and materials to the classroom to give students hands-on practice with various medical and surgical techniques.