Upper Elementary

9-12 years


MSL’s Upper Elementary environment is led by a Montessori-certified teacher and an assistant, and supports children ages 9 to 12 years old.


Upper Elementary builds on the content of the Lower Elementary global curriculum, expanding students’ awareness of their place in society. Montessori recognized the intellectual growth that occurs between the ages of 9 and 12. Children at this age are more capable of both abstract and hypothetical thinking.


Students are welcome to order lunches from our outside caterers each day or bring their lunches from home. Nutritious snacks and milk are provided daily.


Monday - Friday (5 days/week)

8:00 AM - 2:45 PM

Overview of Program

The Upper Elementary program provides students:

  • time to transition from using hands–on, manipulative materials to acquiring fully abstract understanding of concepts. The trained elementary teacher uses assessments and daily observations of work to determine when the child is ready to move to abstract work;
  • two 3-hour work cycles each day, allowing them the opportunity to work without interruption;
  • collaborative work opportunities within the cultural subjects through project-based learning;
  • leadership opportunities. Students at this level develop their leadership skills by leading class meetings, service projects, fundraisers, planning field trips, and mentoring younger students;
  • studies in social justice. The Upper Elementary student has moved from viewing situations from a right or wrong position to seeking to understand the motivation behind behavior.

Curriculum Overview

The Upper Elementary classroom is more socially interactive, collaborative and student centered. Upper Elementary students are readers. Students at this level want to be leaders and in charge of their destiny. At this level, students utilize planners to manage their work commitments and deadlines.


The Upper Elementary language program includes advanced reading and research writing. Students participate in literature circles, as well as independently reading for research and pleasure. Upper Elementary students demonstrate their knowledge by presenting their research reports to their peers. Through continued experiences, students develop a confidence for public speaking.


Spelling and grammar are refined at the Upper Elementary level, and students’ curriculum is individually assigned. Students who master the spelling program are introduced to the study of Greek and Latin root words.


Math continues to be an intentional subject of study. Each day students continue to practice number concepts with the goal of moving toward mathematical abstraction. Students complete their studies at this level with algebraic concepts and advanced geometry work.


The cultural curriculum includes a continuation of the Great Lessons. Throughout the three year cycle, the students engage in lessons in history and geography that demonstrate the interdependence of world citizens. Using timelines, students research events and people in history to gain an understanding of past history and the changes that have occurred over time in our world. Using their critical thinking skills and natural curiosity, students study the sciences as puzzles.


The Elementary Teacher presents curriculum materials and facilitates the learning process. Learning is assessed in a myriad of ways, including: student discussions, students presentations of research papers, oral presentations, book making, dioramas, timelines, and science experiments. 


MAP assessments are administered three times a year. MAP, or the Measure of Academic Progress, is a computerized adaptive test which helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child's academic growth.

“What a great place... full of great minds and very nice people.”

Claudia McClure

“Spent the morning being a Montessori parent for the Toddler Classroom with Ms. Kathy...can't say enough good things about Montessori School of Louisville!!!"

Mikelle Bruzina

“The culture at MSL has been very good for our almost 2 year old. For the first time I do not worry about his well-being when he is away from home. We are so happy that we found MSL!" 

Ashley Gibbons

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