Academics / Curriculum
The difference between academics in the Village School and the Middle School are significant. Sixers are given a gradual progression in their studies that helps them become familiar with the higher level academics that await them in seventh grade.
Sixth grade features a progression in the skills taught in all of the core subjects, introducing students to a more challenging curriculum with more advanced concepts, theories and applications. It’s done, however, in a supportive environment so students can feel safe taking risks and applying themselves.
Our intentional interdisciplinary curriculum is woven throughout our K-12 curriculum and sixth grade follows the same approach. All subjects are taught in a way that encourages connections between them, helping students build a strong foundation of understanding that will be relied upon as they continue to encounter new more challenging material.
View the Sixth-Grade Curriculum Guide
English
The human experience takes center stage in sixth-grade English. Students learn to see themselves in, and relate to, literature. They explore different universal themes and see how different styles can be used to communicate. In addition to foundational grammar conventions, a strong emphasis is placed on active, reiterative reading and writing practices, critical thinking and discussion.
Global Languages
The world is a wide, wonderful place, and Sixers can choose how they want to communicate with it. The opportunity exists for them to choose which global language to study: Chinese, French or Spanish. Each includes foundational grammar and vocabulary skills with a focus on real-world application, group projects, interactive activities and a healthy dose of identity and cultural exploration.
Math
They say you can explain the world through mathematics — let’s find out! Sixth-grade math is a challenging course that emphasizes problem solving, conceptual understanding, reasoning, and how to reason and communicate abstractly, quantitatively, and in multiple ways. There’s also a focus on real-world applications that includes technology integration so students can take theories and apply them to actual scenarios.
Science
Sixers learn how to understand, explain and even improve how the world works through science. We do this by nurturing their natural sense of curiosity, encouraging questions and then introducing them to the integrated fields of Earth sciences, life sciences and physical sciences, including ecology, geology, human growth and development, physics and engineering. Sixers really get a good look at how our world comes together!
Social Studies
It’s here we show students the civilizations that paved the way for our current society. Along with a focus on Ancient Egypt, Ancient Mesopotamia and other prominent and influential civilizations, sixth grade includes geography, non-fiction reading and research, lessons on historical thinking and a significant project that culminates the entire course.
Co-Curriculars and Beyond
Sixers receive an education that goes beyond the core subjects. STEM meets once a week every week, there’s in-depth and regular exposure to different art and athletics options, and there’s an important rotation of leadership and human growth and development — exceptionally valuable courses that teach students self-reliance and help them understand the physical, mental, social and emotional changes they’re experiencing.
