The Upper School
Fifth Grade - Eighth Grade
In the Upper School, Ellison students mature into confident, self reliant young adults as they forge new paths of learning, academic growth and achievement. Fusing an intellectually rigorous curriculum with a profound sense of community, we ensure a healthy balance of personal development and a deep sense of school family. While we challenge students academically, competitiveness among students is far less important than fostering a cooperative spirit. Students work together to help each other reach new goals.
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade is an exciting year as students begin the transition from Lower School to Upper School. Programs of study include English, Literature, Mathematics, Science, United States Geography, Spanish, Physical Education/Health, Art, Music, and Computer Technology.
In Fifth Grade mathematics, the foundation for applying, relating and understanding upper level mathematical concepts is formed. Using Everyday Mathematics, students begin to see mathematics as an integrated whole, to explore problems, and to describe results using graphic, numerical, physical, and verbal mathematic models or representations.
By teaching geography and history through the lens of regional differences throughout the United States, Fifth Grade students learn to understand themselves, other cultures and the world. They use charts, maps and graphs to interpret information about our country, and identify the states and capitals of United States, as well as explore its regions. Literature and history are combined whenever possible, helping students to appreciate everyday life in a particular area. Students will learn about the three branches of government, current events and world situations, and will be required to write a weekly summary of a chosen news event.
Through the study of English/Language Arts, Ellison’s educators help their students experience the true power and beauty of the written and spoken word. Their unique, interactive approach to teaching instills strong analytical and both oral and written communications skills that students will draw upon throughout their academic and professional careers. Students keep journals and write stories, in addition to polishing their essay writing skills. Writing is taught as an organic process, and grammar lessons are tailored to meet the needs of specific classes. Recognizing the importance of vocabulary in both writing and reading comprehension, the vocabulary program started in the Lower School is continued and intensified in the Upper School.
For additional curriculum highlights, please click on Subject Areas or call us at (856) 691-1734.
Sixth Grade
Programs of study in the Sixth Grade include English, Literature, Mathematics (Pre-Algebra or Algebra I), Science, Ancient and Medieval History, Spanish, Physical Education/Health, Art, Music, and Computer Technology.
Building upon skills from Fifth Grade mathematics, students will continue to develop problem-solving strategies. Estimation and mental math will be incorporated into logical reasoning. There’s an emphasis on addition, subtraction, division and multiplication using greater numbers, as well as fractions and decimals. In addition, students will be introduced to pre-algebra and basic geometry. Manipulative and an application to real-life situations help students strengthen their understanding of mathematical concepts.
The ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and The Middle Ages are studied. The contributions of other disciplines to the study of history, the causes and effects of the rise and fall of civilizations, and modern history’s debt to those civilizations are highlighted. Important skills are emphasized, including differentiating between main and subordinate ideas, note taking, paragraph development, and research techniques. Tools of history such as maps, time lines, and graphs are also included. Skills developed in the fifth grade are refined and expanded. Comparison and contrast of cultures, essay-writing, oral and written presentations, and more advanced activities are included.
Through the study of English/Language Arts, Ellison’s educators help their students experience the true power and beauty of the written and spoken word. Their unique, interactive approach to teaching instills strong analytical and both oral and written communications skills that students will draw upon throughout their academic and professional careers. Students keep journals and write stories, in addition to polishing their essay writing skills. Writing is taught as an organic process, and grammar lessons are tailored to meet the needs of specific classes. Recognizing the importance of vocabulary in both writing and reading comprehension, the vocabulary program started in the Lower School is continued and intensified in the Upper School.
For additional curriculum highlights, please click on Subject Areas or call us at (856) 691-1734.
Seventh Grade
Programs of study include English, Literature, Math (Pre-Algebra and/or Algebra I), Science, American History, Spanish I, Computer Technology, Physical Education, Art, and Music.
Seventh Grade math is a continuation and reinforcement of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, metric system, ratio and proportion, integers, number theory, estimation, word problems (including multi-step problems), spatial thinking, making and interpreting graphs and tables, and the beginning of solving equations. Students move on to study Pre-Algebra and Algebra I.
United States History from the Colonial period through the Reconstruction is examined. The emphasis goes far beyond mere dates, names, and places, to a focus on critical thinking skill. Students analyze a variety of primary documents in order to learn to draw their own conclusions about history. Students also refine their essay writing skills and learn to incorporate written and oral quotations into their written projects. Finally, a distinction between formal and informal writing is made.
Through the study of English/Language Arts, Ellison’s educators help their students experience the true power and beauty of the written and spoken word. Their unique, interactive approach to teaching instills strong analytical and both oral and written communications skills that students will draw upon throughout their academic and professional careers. Students keep journals and write stories, in addition to polishing their essay writing skills. Writing is taught as an organic process, and grammar lessons are tailored to meet the needs of specific classes. Recognizing the importance of vocabulary in both writing and reading comprehension, the vocabulary program started in the Lower School is continued and intensified in the Upper School.
For additional curriculum highlights, please click on Subject Areas or call us at (856) 691-1734.
Eighth Grade
In math, students begin at the same level they ended with in Seventh Grade. Once the Algebra I students complete the course in Eighth Grade, they move into a Geometry text for the remainder of the year. They generally complete two or three units by year’s end.
Like the Seventh Grade program, the goal of the Eighth Grade history class is to develop critical thinking skills through the use of primary documents. The writing concentrates on making connections between history and the modern world. Current events are frequently discussed.
Through the study of English/Language Arts, Ellison’s educators help their students experience the true power and beauty of the written and spoken word. Their unique, interactive approach to teaching instills strong analytical and both oral and written communications skills that students will draw upon throughout their academic and professional careers. Students keep journals and write stories, in addition to polishing their essay writing skills. Writing is taught as an organic process, and grammar lessons are tailored to meet the needs of specific classes. Recognizing the importance of vocabulary in both writing and reading comprehension, the vocabulary program started in the Lower School is continued and intensified in the Upper School.
For additional curriculum highlights, please click on Subject Areas or call us at (856) 691-1734.
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