A transformative stage where growing thinkers step into abstract learning, deeper friendships, and a stronger sense of self. In Grades 4–6, students build confidence, moral awareness, and academic maturity—guided toward adolescence with curiosity, compassion, and steady independence.
The Bridge to Adolescence: Critical Thinking and Moral Growth
At Montessori Academy of Virginia, our Upper Elementary Program supports students as they transition from concrete understanding to abstract thinking. During this pivotal developmental stage, students begin to think hypothetically, explore complex systems and use their imagination to make meaningful connections across disciplines.
Guided by Montessori, trained teachers’ students engage with increasingly sophisticated ideas and academic challenges, fostering a love of learning while encouraging curiosity, resilience, and independence.
This program is specifically designed to support the major intellectual shift from concrete to abstract thought. We guide students as they learn to think hypothetically, tackle more complex academic challenges, and make insightful connections across different subjects, fostering resilience and a deep love of learning.
Recognizing this is a pivotal time for social development, our program places a strong emphasis on personal growth. We help students navigate new peer relationships by developing crucial interpersonal skills, emotional awareness, and a strong moral compass, empowering them to become respectful and responsible members of their community.
This stage is also one of profound personal and social growth. As students begin to form stronger peer relationships and seek deeper social bonds and seek a greater sense of belonging, we emphasize the development of their interpersonal skills and emotional awareness needed to navigate these dynamics with grace and confidence. Dr. Montessori recognized this age as a critical phase of moral development, and our program supports students in understanding motivations behind behaviors, resolving dilemmas, and becoming respectful and responsible members of their community.
At our Montessori school, we believe in fostering independence, confidence, and a lifelong love for learning from the very beginning. Our carefully designed programs cater to each stage of your child’s development, building essential skills and a deep connection to their world.
With nurturing teachers who truly understand their evolving developmental needs, our Upper Elementary students begin the joyful journey toward adolescence with confidence, creativity, and compassion.
Knowledge is best given where there is eagerness to learn, so this is the period when the seed of all things can be sown, the child’s mind being like a fertile field, ready to receive what will germinate into a culture.
We would love for you to visit our school and learn more.
As a first time mom and immigrant, school was a big challenge to overcome for my kid. I tried another school before and my baby cried every time he went in and when I picked him up. He looked exhausted, got sick often, and was never able to nap! At Montessori he adapted on the first week and now he looks forward to go in every day! Staff has been really friendly and open to listening to us and providing support. I do like that they have activities for parents to get to know what’s going on at school. I love that they let you know what activities they have planned monthly. Facilities are clean, and they have a lovely playground for kids to play! In addition I like the fact that they are diligent at answering phone calls and emails.