Academics

Upper Elementary

Our upper elementary students—ages 9 – 12—seek a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.
In Upper Elementary, students dive deeper into multidisciplinary studies, making meaningful connections across subjects such as astronomy, botany, zoology, chemistry, physics, history, math, geometry, and the arts.

This is a time when students begin to ask profound questions about their place in the world, driven by a desire to understand and contribute. The supportive classroom environment encourages them to communicate effectively, engage passionately with their studies, and develop both socially and academically as they prepare for middle school.

More Than Just Academics

List of 6 items.

  • Community Meetings

    Student-led Community Meetings empower upper elementary students to voice concerns, resolve conflicts, and foster a classroom culture of respect. These meetings ensure every student feels heard and valued. Additionally, students participate in a Classroom Harmony Program with Aurolina Valdes, a licensed marriage and family therapist, where they learn strategies for conflict resolution, acceptance, and emotional well-being.

  • Field Trips

    Field trips in upper elementary extend beyond the classroom, blending hands-on learning with real-world experiences. Throughout the school year, students participate in various service projects, visit cultural and historical sites, and take an overnight camping trip to Sky Ranch. These going-out experiences reinforce academic concepts, strengthen friendships, and encourage independence in a safe and engaging way.

  • StarMart

    StarMart, upper elementary’s student-run micro-economy, bridges academics with real-world skills. Through product design, managing inventory, and creating marketing materials, students develop financial literacy, and project management skills. In the spring, sixth-year students participate in Shark Tank, where they design a product concept and pitch it to a panel of "sharks," gaining firsthand experience in entrepreneurship and innovation.

  • Collaboration

    Collaboration is woven into the fabric of our upper elementary classrooms. Whether engaging in literature circle discussions, tackling group projects, or sharing lunch and recess with peers from other classrooms, students experience the power of working together. This dynamic environment allows them to explore ideas from multiple perspectives, strengthening their ability to communicate, cooperate, and lead.

  • Homework

    Upper elementary introduces students to structured homework, helping them build responsibility and time management skills. Homework is posted every Thursday and due the following week, providing a consistent routine that bridges classroom learning with independent study at home.

  • Supplemental Classes

    Beyond core academics, upper elementary students participate in weekly art, music, athletic development, and Spanish classes. These supplemental courses nurture creativity, physical well-being, and cultural awareness, ensuring a well-rounded education that engages mind and body.

Curriculum

List of 5 items.

  • Arithmetic

    Students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, moving beyond memorization to application. They explore:

    • Numeration, place value, and divisibility rules
    • Multiplication and division facts, prime factorization, and common multiples/factors
    • Fractions, decimals, and percentages, including operations and conversions
    • Algebraic concepts like solving for variables, negative numbers, and order of operations
    • Powers, square roots, binomials, and trinomials
    • Ratios, proportions, data analysis, and graphing

  • Geometry

    Geometry lessons emphasize exploration and discovery, guiding students to see the relationships between shapes, space, and measurement. By working with concrete materials and engaging in creative problem-solving, students gain a strong spatial awareness and appreciation for geometric principles. They study:

    • Lines, angles, and coordinate planes
    • Triangles, polygons, congruency, similarity, and equivalency
    • Perimeter, area, and volume of two- and three-dimensional figures
    • Circles, including circumference and area
    • Surface area and the Pythagorean theorem

  • Language

    Through reading, writing, and grammar studies, students refine their communication skills and develop their unique voices. Students become confident writers and critical readers, equipped to analyze texts and articulate ideas effectively. Areas of focus include:

    • Sentence analysis, parts of speech, and proper grammar usage
    • Figurative language and expressive writing
    • Spelling, punctuation, and cursive handwriting
    • Writing across multiple genres and mastering the writing process

  • Cultural Studies

    Cultural studies foster a global perspective by integrating science, geography, history, and economics. With hands-on experiments, research projects, and discussions, students connect past, present, and future to their own place in the world exploring: 

    • Life Sciences: biomes, the Tree of Life, kingdoms of living organisms, and human anatomy
    • Physical Sciences: atoms, molecules, forces, motion, density, and energy transformations
    • Earth and Space Sciences: astronomy, plate tectonics, weather, and the Sun-Earth relationship
    • Political and Physical Geography, world history, U.S. and Texas history, and economic systems

  • Behavior and Work Habits

    Beyond academics, students cultivate essential life skills that prepare them for success in school and beyond. They learn to:

    • Show empathy, resolve conflicts peacefully, and demonstrate respect for peers and guides
    • Exhibit leadership, independence, and a love of learning
    • Use technology responsibly and think critically
    • Set goals, manage time effectively, and stay focused during work periods
    • Take responsibility for their classroom and school community

Where to next?

CONTACT US

3443 Lebanon Rd. Frisco, Texas, 75034
Phone: (972) 885-8585

ABOUT

The Starwood Academy of Frisco's difference lies in our approach and dedication to the Montessori pedagogy, our deep community values, and the rich Montessori legacy brought forth by our school founder. 
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