Our Upper Elementary Program at a Glance
Grades
3 – 5
Class Size
Up to 12 students
Schedule
Full school day with on- and off-campus learning
Outdoors
3x’s Daily, including weekly place-based fieldwork
Learning
Interdisciplinary & project-based
Support
Guided independence & collaboration
At Roots, Foundations Matter
Children enter Upper Elementary with a strong foundation created through play, exploration, movement, and curiosity. These experiences are not a warm up to learning. They are integral to how children develop focus, flexibility, and problem solving.
The Upper Elementary years at Roots are dedicated to purposefully reinforcing and broadening the early foundational experiences that children gained through exploration and hands-on learning. Academic work unfolds across longer timelines. Thinking deepens. Collaboration becomes more complex. Students practice planning, follow through, and reflection with increasing independence.
Our learning approach is structured to foster both the individual growth of each student and the development of the community as a whole.
Meaningful projects, off campus experiences, and purposeful physical challenges give students opportunities to apply skills, build stamina, and strengthen executive function in ways that are engaging and joyful. Movement and curiosity remain central, not incidental, to how learning happens.
This is learning that asks a lot, and gives a lot back.
How Learning Happens
At the edge of independence
Instruction That Meets the Moment
Teachers move between whole-group learning, small groups, and individual coaching, responding to where students are and what the work calls for.
Projects That Build Stamina
Learning unfolds across longer timelines, asking students to stay with ideas, revise thoughtfully, and follow through.
Thinking Through Doing
Hands-on work, movement, and real problems remain central, helping understanding take hold through curiosity and action.
Responsibility with Support
Students take on increasing ownership of their work and time, with teachers providing structure, feedback, and guidance as expectations grow.
In Upper Elementary, we are building the skills, stamina, and confidence that make deeper, holistic, intentional growth possible.
“Our daughter has been at Roots since first grade, and it feels like the entire program was made for her! Her ability to craft a poem or create art is as valued as her ability to read, write, and multiply. It’s a place where all parts of her personality are welcome. She’s not only learning, but thriving, and we couldn’t be happier.”
— JORDAN, Roots Parent
What Upper Elementary Looks Like at Roots Academy
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Upper Elementary students participate in a biannual business fair where they create and market some product or service. Not only does this allow them the potential to earn money, students are guided by local entrepreneurs and experts in how to manage a business, including expenses, revenues, marketing, sales and accounting.
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Community service is a wonderful opportunity for Upper Elementary students at Roots Academy to make a positive impact on the world around them. It's a way for young learners to give back to their local community and beyond, by volunteering their time and energy to help those in need. Whether it's cleaning up a local park, organizing a food drive, or visiting a nursing home to spend time with seniors, community service teaches important values like empathy, responsibility, and teamwork. It's a chance for students to grow as individuals while building a stronger, more compassionate community.
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At Roots, our history curriculum is thoughtfully designed to provide students with a chronological, accurate, and developmentally appropriate understanding of the world's history. We utilize a literature-based approach that makes learning engaging and easily adaptable to different learning styles. Our curriculum seamlessly integrates with writing, reading, and art, inspiring curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of historical events.
A key focus of our curriculum is to prioritize diverse perspectives, cultures, legends, and myths, ensuring that students gain a well-rounded and inclusive view of history. We also emphasize making learning visible and encourage students to document their learning, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their historical exploration.
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Music education program for upper elementary students is designed to ignite a passion for music while fostering creativity and self-expression. Through a diverse curriculum that includes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, students explore various musical genres, instruments, and styles. Our program emphasizes active participation, encouraging students to develop their musical skills through group performances and individual practice. By incorporating elements of composition, listening, history, and play we aim to provide a comprehensive music education that inspires a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
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Through strong relationships and steady support, students learn to navigate challenges, build momentum, and grow into greater independence
Each of our programs are designed to seamlessly bridge to the next level of learning. explore our middle school prograM→
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