6th - 8th Grade


 

The natural curiosity of each child turns to earnest exploration of the world around them as students approach the upper grades, and the first steps as independent thinkers are taken. Students in the upper grades are presented with increasingly rigorous projects as they research independently under the guidance of their teacher. In 6th - 8th grade, as in all of the grades, we honor the child’s need for rest time, play time, and self-led exploration in the realms of emotional and relational learning, which is why we never burden our students with more homework than is developmentally appropriate, and why we do not rely on busywork or worksheets as a means of educating. The topics studied in the upper grades become more challenging, and the students are asked to think critically in discussing literature, world history, and international cultures, while they learn the fundamental workings of the universe through chemistry, geometry, astronomy, and perspective drawing.

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Students’ daily rhythms remain strong in the upper grades while becoming more complex in order to accommodate a wider variety of activities. Our oldest students remain highly physically active with movement classes, recesses, and Eurythmy woven into their days.

By this point in the student’s journey, their classroom teacher is a close and trusted ally, giving guidance as the child expands their grasp on the world and providing a safe place from which to explore and venture out. Teachers understand each of their students on a deep level, and are able to give a gentle push or a steadying hand when needed as the students question, attempt, and develop.

 

The materials our oldest students learn and the way in which they are taught prepares them for high school in a real way. 8th grade graduates will leave Peace Valley equipped with the emotional, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills essential for success in high school and beyond.