Upper Elementary Program
(4th to 6th grade)
Upper Elementary students are exposed to a curriculum and learning environment that invites each student to become an active participant in his or her own learning process. The transition from Lower Elementary to Middle School is a time of great change for Upper Elementary students as they move from the concrete world of their earlier years to the verge of abstract thinking found in the older classrooms.
The Upper Elementary Program for grades 4 – 6 builds upon the skills and content of the Lower Elementary curriculum, expanding students’ awareness of their place in the world’s history. By focusing on a variety of civilizations, students learn about significant historical contributions that have been adopted and adapted by societies through time, and they begin to understand how the past has shaped present-day societies, geographies, and current events. Students are able to delve into these subjects through guided activities and independent research appropriate to their various developmental abilities.
The students are gently guided through the developmental step away from young childhood and toward emerging adolescence. Our focus is on building the foundations of organization, self-confidence, cooperation, and curiosity essential to success in Middle School and beyond. There is a welcoming environment with an emphasis on individual responsibility, problem solving, exploration, creativity, and a strong sense of community. Children participate in group meetings where community issues are debated and classroom rules decided. Respect for individual differences is emphasized and supported.
A unique piece of the Montessori curriculum is the integrated study of Science, History, Geography, and the Arts. Mathematics and Language are not isolated, but are incorporated in the whole picture presented to encourage exploration and critical thinking. The Upper Elementary students are challenged to extend themselves and take academic risks in order to expand their skills. By doing so they grow in self-confidence and are ready to take the next step academically, developmentally and socially.
Meet our faculty and staff
Molly Moorhead
Upper Elementary Guide, Elementary Program Lead, Education Coordinator
Molly Moorhead is a Montessori Elementary Guide, Elementary Program Lead Guide at MSA, and the MSA Education Coordinator. She attended MSA as a child and is a lifelong Montessori learner and educator. She is also a Montessori educator for adults and supports them in gaining their Montessori certification. Molly thinks the excitement of witnessing children grow into independence and autonomy through Montessori education and philosophy is one of the best things about Montessori education.
Katherine Rose
Lower-Middle School Art & Fiber Arts, Upper Elementary Assistant
Ms. Rose graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts; her emphasis areas were painting and photography. Her education experience includes math intervention, computer lab teacher, and kindergarten paraprofessional prior to joining the MSA community in 2023. She currently teaches art and fiber art to students from primary through high school. She also serves as a part-time assistant in upper elementary.
Leila Wise
Elementary Extended Day
Ms. Leila started working at Montessori School of Anderson in the Extended Day program in August 2024. She enjoys working with children as they grow and learn to interact with the world around them. She enjoys drawing and media arts as well as reading, and she loves spending time with her family, friends, and pets.
Angela Dunster
I/T-Elementary Substitute, Elementary Extended Care Sub