Upper Grades 5-8

 In Grades 5-8, students use the overlapping disciplines of history, English, political science, geography, and art to understand how humans have made sense of the past, live in the present, and imagine and plan for the future. There are key skills at the foundation of all the classes—public speaking, critical thinking, analytical and creative writing, and close text analysis—which students practice with increasing nuance as they advance through the program.

In Fifth and Sixth Grades, students come to understand that Humanities is all about understanding the human experience by exploring diverse cultures, perspectives, and modes of thinking.  In Fifth Grade, the core question is “how do humans organize and make sense of the world?” By looking back in time and around the world, students investigate different answers to this question. Sixth Graders explore the question “What does it mean to belong and who gets to decide?” Through the lenses of literature, history, civics, political science, current events, and art history, among others, students investigate the ways in which individuals are made to feel like they belong—or don’t—in their communities.

In Seventh and Eighth Grades, students build on the foundations of critical thinking and the joy of reading, writing, and discussing as they deepen their understanding of how stories, histories, and systems of power shape societies. Throughout the year, students analyze diverse perspectives from a wide range of people and types of sources, while practicing the skills needed to connect past events to present issues and draw parallels across different historical moments. Seventh Grade centers on the question “What does it mean to be revolutionary?” Students study Indigenous histories, early colonization, the American, Haitian, and Iranian Revolutions, Westward Expansion, the Civil War, and Reconstruction, as well as literary movements connected to these historical moments. Eighth Grade focuses on the question “What is the American Dream?” Students explore how industrialization, imperialism, war, migration, economic crisis, and social movements have shaped opportunity and identity.

Our students learn math through authentic problem-solving experiences, discovering the principles that guide how math works, revising their ideas, and valuing the process of exploration—even when encountering mistakes—over simply arriving at the “right” answer. We believe that every student is a “math person” and aim to cultivate their ability to apply mathematical concepts across disciplines while seeing math as an integral part of everything they do. Units within our Upper Grades math curriculum include:

Fifth and Sixth Grades: Geometry; Graphing and Coordinate Planes; Statistics and Probability; Multiplication and Division; Number Systems; Order of Operations; Partial Values (Common Fractions, Decimal Fractions, and Percents); Algebraic Thinking; and Ratios.

Seventh and Eighth Grades: Fractions and Decimals Revisited; Negative Number Operations; Expressions and Equations; Ratios, Proportions, and Percents; Probability; 2D Geometry; Algebra; Expressions and Equations; Linear Functions; System of Equations; Exponential Functions; and Quadratic Equations.  Students complete Algebra 1 by the end of Eighth Grade.

Our science curriculum centers on the process of sensemaking, which engages students in the same practices scientists use: asking questions, conducting investigations, analyzing data, developing models, and using evidence to support their conclusions. Units within our Upper Grades science curriculum include:

Fifth and Sixth Grades: Basics of Matter; Light and Matter; Thermal Energy; Weather and Water Cycling; Cells and Systems; Chemical Reactions; Metabolic Reactions; and Genetics.

Seventh and Eighth Grades: Matter Cycling and Photosynthesis; Plate Tectonics; Disrupted Ecosystems and the Chesapeake Bay; Climate Change; Motion, Forces, and Collisions; Sound; and Electricity and Magnetism.

Learning Spanish empowers students to communicate effectively with diverse communities, appreciate the rich traditions of the Spanish-speaking world, and develop global citizenship. By integrating language and culture through authentic experiences—such as engaging with books, films, and real-world interactions—students remain motivated while building confidence in interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills.

Throughout the Upper Grades, students explore topics such as self-expression and stereotypes, Mayan culture as represented in media, Mexican cuisine and influences, and the traditions of El Ekeko and Bolivian Indigenous communities. They also study immigration, create their own telenovelas, delve into biographies of famous Hispanic figures, and much more.

Visual Arts: Students develop their technical skills using a wide range of materials, including colored pencils, paints, pastels, charcoal, clay, and digital media. They learn to thoughtfully plan their projects while exploring various artistic techniques and the work of influential artists.

Performing Arts: The Upper Grades Performing Arts curriculum includes drama, music, and movement. Through a varied repertoire of music, students focus on reading and notating music, learning different instruments, and singing. In drama, students explore stage direction, blocking, choreography, and line memorization. Students also analyze and evaluate artistic works, considering historical, cultural, and societal context to deepen their understanding.

7/8 Arts Choice: The Arts Choice program empowers 7th and 8th Grade students to explore their interests by selecting semester-long elective courses. This allows them to engage with two different disciplines over the course of the year. While offerings vary annually, past classes have included Ceramics, Printmaking, ‘Zines, Sculpture/Installation, and more. One consistent, yearlong option is participation in the annual Musical. As a culmination of their focus on creation and performance, 6th Graders support the production as crew members, gaining hands-on experience and mentorship from the professional tech team at Atlas Theater.

We value the whole child, and movement is an essential part of their growth and development. Our Physical Education program gets students moving in a variety of fun and creative ways, helping them build motor skills while discovering the joys of fitness and sports. Interscholastic sports begin in Fifth Grade, giving students the opportunity to take their skills to a team setting and continue developing confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of movement.

Affinity Groups offer a safe space for Upper Grade students to connect with other students who share an affinity. This time is intentionally built into the Upper Grades schedule to emphasize the importance of identity, connection, and shared experiences. Current Affinity Groups include:

AAPI Union
Black Boys Group
Black Girls Group 
Black Student Union 
Girls Group 
Jewish Student Union 
LatinX Student Union 
LGBTQIA+ Union
Multiracial Union
Neurodiversity Group 
White Antiracist Alliance Group

Offered periodically throughout the year, Club Time gives students a chance to explore interests beyond the traditional curriculum. A mix of student-led and teacher-led offerings, club topics change each year to reflect what students are most excited about. From the arts and baking to Taylor Swift and pets, there's something for everyone!