Literature & Composition
Students will discover that story is an amazing part of culture as they explore the amazing narratives of the world through an assortment of literature, poetry, drama, and non-fiction works. Students will learn to express themselves in a more organized way through oral and written narration, creative writing, poetry, and reportage, gently learning to write a five paragraph essay in preparation for middle school writing.

Class time will be spent in group activities, creative explorations, discussion, and include some beginner note-taking experience. Students will learn to keep a commonplace journal and use it throughout the year for both in-class and home assignments. Homework includes reading assignments, a variety of creative and academic writing assignments, and projects.

Science: Simple Machines & Nature Study
Students will explore how things work through a study of Simple Machines and middle grade level physics. Learning about the six simple machines (incline planes, the wheel and axle, levers, gears, pulleys, and screws), students will perform hands-on projects using K’nex kits and other basic materials. Students will also learn about friction, aerodynamics, robotics, computers, how things like cameras, radios, and computers work, and more through fun in-class experiences, home reading in living books, and various home and classroom projects.

In unity with all other Esprit students, 6th grade students will engage in a focused nature study of invertebrates (Fall), rocks, minerals, and soil (Winter), and fish (Spring). Home assignments include some light outside reading and one or two nature walks and studies each week.

Art & Cultural Studies
Students will discover and explore art and cultures from all around the world through picture study, art projects, mapwork, all in conjunction with the world studies done in literature class. Using a variety of media, including acrylic paint, pastels, textiles, chalk, watercolor, clay, dye, and more, students will deepen their understanding of art and its place in culture and history.

After traveling around the world once studying maps and cultures, students will take a whirlwind trip with Phileas Fogg as Around the World in 80 Days is read and mapped together. Homework includes weekly sketchbook assignments, mapwork, and some preparation for in-class assignments.

General Info:

Upper Elementary school students are required to register for the 9-2:15 block of Thursday classes from September to May (5th grade: Literature, Geography, & Composition, Science & Nature Study, and Art; 6th Grade: Literature & Composition, Science & Nature Study, and Art & Cultural Studies).

Duration: 28 weeks, Thursdays

Course & Classroom Supply Fees: $1350

Course fees (around $48 per week for the required course) include in-class instruction, all supplies used in class, printing costs for the 6th Grade Short Works & Poetry Notebook, the 6th Grade Simple Machines Notebook, and weekly home lesson plans posted to The Dispatch, our communication hub.

P.E. and Life Skills are not required but are additional options.

Optional À La Carte Courses:

• Life Skills (Tuesdays, 12:30-2:15) Middle & Upper Elementary students: $600

• P.E. (Thursdays, 2:15-3:15) for Middle & Upper Elementary students: $275

• 6th Grade Math (Mondays, online; 11-12) for 6th grade students: $500 (includes textbook)