Who is the 9- to 12-year-old?

During this time period, children continue to operate in the Intellectual Period of the elementary stage and now rapidly move towards abstraction in learning. They are interesting in moving beyond basic facts and begin to look at connections, cause and effect, and patterns in their learning and understanding of the world. At this developmental stage, students show a strong ability for both imagination and abstraction.

Fourth, fifth and sixth grade: Focus on social development

The 9- to 12-year-olds are very social at this time in their lives, and it is the first time in their development when they may look more towards their peers than their families when deciding the right way to do certain things. Their strong social instincts lead to most work and play being done in groups.

Intellectual independence and love of learning

In 4th, 5th and 6th grade, the child demonstrates a more refined sense of logic and greater ability to think in the abstract. The academic program encourages intellectual independence, rigor, and a love of learning. In response to the need for peer contact, Montessori classrooms encourage social interaction and group work as part of the each student's academic work. Social and moral development are interwoven into all aspects of the curriculum, responded to the 9- to 12-year-old's interest in fairness, justice, and morality.