Upper Elementary Program 3rd through 5th Grade

preparatory-summit-elementary-upper

Independent Learners in Advanced Studies

The teacher’s task is no small or easy one! He has to prepare a huge amount of knowledge to satisfy the child’s mental hunger, and he is not, like the ordinary teacher, limited by a syllabus.” – Maria Montessori

As South Florida School of Excellence expands its upper elementary program, the Montessori approach remains our foundation. Students are independent learners, exploring areas of interest as well as traditional topics of study. Students use Montessori materials, with textbooks to supplement their learning.

Language Arts Curriculum

By this time, South Florida School of Excellence students are fluent readers. They begin to use reading and writing as tools to learn, discover and celebrate the world around us.

Reading - Students participate in literature circles where they discuss books they are reading. For additional language and comprehension skills, we continue to use the SRA program.

Writing - In upper elementary, students refine their writing skills as they move through the process of brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. They experience all genres of writing and discover how to do independent research projects.

Grammar Study/Word Study - Students do advanced work with sentence analysis and diagramming, and have weekly vocabulary lessons using the Wordly Wise program.

Mathematics Curriculum

Students master the skills of all four operations (both simple and complex) at an abstract level. They work with decimals, multiples and fractions using Montessori materials and use the bead cabinet to explore powers and square root concepts.

History Curriculum

At South Florida School of Excellence, we base our studies on the timeline of life and man. Students study great civilizations of the past, our present United States history, and the great state of Florida. By diversifying the study of history children study in depth the needs of people in different time periods, as they relate to them and society as a whole.

School’s geography explorations build on the study of history. Students learn about land and water structures of great, historical locations and how the land influenced the culture of the time.

Nature and Science Curriculum

Our study of science covers the life, physical, and earth sciences. We do detailed studies using variety of Science kits and other supplemental science materials. Students study, learn and practice the scientific process and become more adept at planning and presenting projects through scientific research.

Additional Subjects

Upper elementary students at South Florida School of Excellence continue with, music (including with recorders), art and physical education. Students also learn basic computer functions, keyboarding and are introduced to Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.