Grade 6 Curriculum

This course introduces students to middle school literacy expectations through a variety of literary and informational texts. Students develop foundational skills in reading, writing, speaking, and research while building confidence as independent learners. Units focus on narrative writing, literary analysis, mythology, and research, helping students make connections between texts and their own experiences.

This course supports all learners while building the core literacy skills needed for success in middle school and beyond.

Curriculum Overview

In Grade 6, instructional time focuses on four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing understanding of statistical thinking.

Curriculum Overview

This engaging year-long, NGSS-connected Grade 6 General Science course uses the Lab-Aids program to explore core concepts in Life, Physical, and Earth Science through an issue-oriented and phenomena-based approach. Students actively engage in scientific practices to investigate real-world problems related to Human Body Systems, From Cells to Organisms, Weather and Climate, and Energy.

The curriculum challenges students to analyze evidence, develop models, and construct arguments to explain how complex systems interact. By focusing on societal issues and observable phenomena, the course fosters critical thinking and a deep, usable understanding of how science and engineering impact their world. Foundational skills, including scientific inquiry and laboratory safety, are integrated in all units to ensure responsible and evidence-based investigation. Throughout the course, students will focus on applying scientific thinking and skills to the content.

Curriculum Overview

Grade 6 introduces students to the ancient world while building strong historical thinking and research skills. Students learn how to ask meaningful questions, gather and evaluate information, and use information to understand people and events from the past. Through explorations of geography and its influence on early civilizations, learners investigate the development and achievements of Mesopotamia, ancient India, ancient Egypt, and ancient Greece. By examining these cultures’ innovations, belief systems, and daily life, students strengthen their ability to analyze primary and secondary sources, make connections across time and place, and communicate their findings clearly. 

Curriculum Overview

Physical Education & Health

In P.E., students learn the importance of being active, making healthy choices, and treating others with respect. Our program focuses on healthy habits, fair play, good decision-making, and encouraging others while building foundational fitness and teamwork skills.

PE and Health Curriculum Overview

Spanish

This introductory Grade 6 Spanish course gives students their first foundational exposure to the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures.

Spanish Curriculum Overview

French

This introductory Grade 6 French course gives students their first foundational exposure to the French language and explores where French is spoken around the world. 

French Curriculum Overview

Students learn basic drawing and compositional techniques, along with the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, to build a foundation for later art courses. Using the Renaissance as a background, students predominantly master the use of one point perspective to develop the illusion of realistic forms.

Curriculum Overview

Students will receive an introduction to kitchen safety and sanitation, kitchen tools and equipment, mise en place and measuring. Students will complete five cooking labs. Emphasis is placed on micronutrients, macronutrients, antioxidation, and how food is produced. Students will also learn about banking from an M&T guest speaker. 

Curriculum Overview

Music 

Students experience many elements and modalities that are associated with the study of music. Topics such as Rhythm Studies, Electronic Music, and Classical Music are covered. 

Music curriculum Overview

Band (Winds)

In 6th grade band, students continue building the foundations of music performance through learning new notes, rhythms, and ensemble skills. Students play together in a group setting, learn to read more advanced music, and develop confidence on their instrument. The course emphasizes teamwork, listening, personal responsibility, and creative expression through music. Over the course of the year, students grow in their range, improve tone quality, learn new rhythmic patterns, and prepare music for performances.

Band Curriculum Overview

Chorus

How do musicians prepare for performances? What skills are required to accurately perform vocal music? How do musicians improve the quality of their performance? Musicians prepare for performances by methodically rehearsing, evaluating and refining technical skills over time through planned practice, feedback, reflection and collaboration.

Chorus Curriculum Overview

Percussion

This course develops students’ foundational and intermediate skills across the full percussion family, including snare drum, bass drum, mallet percussion, timpani, and auxiliary instruments. Students build rhythmic literacy, technique, tone production, listening skills, and ensemble awareness. This year emphasizes solidifying foundational skills, introducing rudiments, developing fluency on mallets, and applying percussion techniques relevant to a band setting. 

Percussion Curriculum Overview

Students will receive an introduction to manufacturing, then develop and design a project using cloud-based CAD software (Onshape). Their designs will be brought to life through additive manufacturing using a 3D printer.

Students will also explore the video production process, including pre-production (planning), production (filming/recording), and post-production (editing), using cloud-based software (WeVideo).

Curriculum Overview

Digital Literacy provides students with essential skills for evaluating and navigating online information. The curriculum focuses on developing critical reading strategies, including lateral reading, to determine the reliability and trustworthiness of sources. Students learn to distinguish between strong and weak evidence when analyzing claims, particularly those encountered on social media. A key component of the course is learning to "zone" information by purpose (news, propaganda, opinion, advertising, raw information, entertainment). The course culminates in an AI Literacy unit, equipping students with the knowledge to identify AI-generated content, understand the ethical implications of these tools, and determine their appropriate use in academic and personal life. 

Curriculum Overview

The 6th grade counseling curriculum helps students build social-emotional and executive functioning skills needed for success in middle school. Through lessons focused on positive peer relationships, communication, empathy, organization, and time management, students learn how to interact respectfully with others while also developing habits that support academic responsibility.

Students practice skills such as teamwork, respectful disagreement, problem-solving, organization, and planning ahead. By the end of 6th grade, students will have a stronger understanding of how both positive relationships and strong organizational skills contribute to personal growth, academic success, and a sense of belonging.

Curriculum Overview