Upper Elementary (Grades 4-5)

At Country Montessori School, our Upper Elementary program (Grades 4–5) provides the capstone of the Montessori Elementary journey. Students take on leadership roles in the classroom community, strengthen their academic skills through research projects and collaborative work, and develop independence in managing their own learning. By combining rigorous academics with responsibility and creativity, our students are well prepared for middle school and life beyond CMS.

Montessori programs in Poway classroom

Elementary

At a Glance

  • Grades 4–5 (multi-age classroom)
  • Daily community meetings run by students
  • Extended Great Work Periods for academic focus and projects
  • Enrichment: Spanish, Music, Art, P.E., Digital Literacy
  • Leadership, research skills, and independence emphasized
  • Strong preparation for middle school transition

Montessori Curriculum (Grades 4-5)

Language & Literature
Students expand vocabulary, writing, grammar, and literature analysis while developing strong public speaking and research skills.

Mathematics
Advanced work in fractions, decimals, geometry, pre-algebra, and problem-solving supports abstract reasoning and confidence in higher-level math.

Research & Cultural Studies
Students conduct independent and small-group research projects in science, geography, and history—building critical thinking and presentation skills.

Science & Inquiry
Hands-on experiments and labs encourage curiosity, analysis, and real-world application of scientific concepts.

Leadership & Responsibility
Children plan, lead, and take responsibility for class meetings, care of animals, and community service activities.

A Typical Day in Upper Elementary

  • Arrival & Animal Care – Students begin the day caring for classroom pets and setting daily goals in their planners.
  • Student-Run Community Meeting – A time for announcements, discussion, and class business, led by the students.
  • Morning Work Period – Extended Great Work Period for academic lessons, individual work, research, and projects.
  • Lunch & Recess – Shared outdoor lunch and free play for balance and social connection.
  • Afternoon Enrichment – Rotating classes in Spanish, Music, Art, P.E., and Digital Literacy.
  • Dismissal & After-School Care – Students complete classroom responsibilities before dismissal, with optional extended care until 6:00 pm

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Upper Elementary students experience a full range of enrichment programs that expand academics and creativity:
  • Spanish – Conversational fluency and cultural awareness.
  • Music – Rhythm, singing, and percussion, with performance opportunities such as the annual Spring Fling.
  • Art – Advanced projects in painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
  • Physical Education – Fitness, teamwork, and healthy competition through games and sports.
  • Digital Literacy – Skills in typing, safe and responsible internet use, research methods, and digital citizenship.

Partnering with Families

We value strong connections with parents and guardians. Regular conferences, reports, and family events provide opportunities to support students as they prepare for middle school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Upper Elementary includes Grades 4 and 5 in a multi-age Montessori environment.

Students run daily community meetings, take responsibility for classroom care, and participate in community service projects.

Spanish, Music, Art, Physical Education, and Digital Literacy are integrated into the weekly schedule.

Upper Elementary emphasizes advanced lessons, independent research projects, and time management skills that prepare students for middle school.

Students may participate in trips such as the USS Midway, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Old Town, Poway Gardens service projects, and Science Labs

See how Montessori prepares students for middle school

Tour our Upper Elementary classrooms (Grades 4–5) to see research projects, collaborative work, and student leadership in action.

Book an Upper Elementary Tour

Summer at CMS

Make the most of summer with our engaging camps for Elementary students! Each week offers a new theme—sports, science, adventure, and creativity—led by experienced CMS educators.

Early Childhood Montessori program (ages 2½–6) at Country Montessori School in Poway, CA

Early Childhood (Preschool & Kindergarten)
Ages 2½ – 6

A warm, nurturing Montessori preschool and kindergarten environment where children build independence, focus, and confidence through hands-on materials and purposeful work.

Explore Early Childhood
Lower Elementary Montessori program (grades 1–3) at Country Montessori School in Poway, CA

Lower Elementary
Grades 1–3

Extended Montessori work periods, small-group lessons, and enrichment in Spanish, Music, Art, and P.E. help students grow in collaboration, curiosity, and critical thinking.

Explore Lower Elementary
Summer camp at Country Montessori School in Poway, CA for preschool through 5th grade

Summer Program
Preschool – 5th Grade

Seven weeks of themed camps bring learning to life — from ocean exploration and dinosaurs for younger children to sports, adventure, and STEM for older students. Each week blends hands-on activities, creativity, and outdoor fun.

Sample Summer Schedule
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