Upper Elementary (3rd-5th)
As students leave the lower elementary school with a strong foundation, our program shifts to a more student driven focus where students can express themselves and their ideas as they explore the larger world in depth.
Upper School
3rd Grade
Highlights of the third grade program include:
- Soaring to New Heights
- Academic Excellence
- Character Development
- Creative Expression
- Technology Integration
- Language and Culture
- Physical Fitness
Soaring to New Heights
Academic Excellence
- Math: Delve deeper into math concepts, including multiplication and division facts, multi-digit addition and subtraction, fractions, decimals, and geometry. Explore problem-solving strategies, data analysis, and measurement.
- Language Arts: Enhance reading comprehension through our novel based reading program and nonfiction texts. Develop strong writing skills by writing persuasive essays, narratives, and informational texts. Master grammar rules and conventions.
- Social Studies: Explore the history of the United States, focusing on key events, significant figures, and the development of government and citizenship. Learn about different cultures, geography, and economics.
- Science: Conduct in-depth scientific investigations using the scientific method. Explore life science topics like plants, animals, and ecosystems, as well as Earth science and physical science concepts.
Character Development
Social Emotional Learning
- Emotional growth: Students identify, understand, and manage emotions.
- Resilience building: Students learn to overcome challenges and maintain positivity.
- Problem-solving skills: Students analyze problems, brainstorm solutions, and evaluate outcomes.
- Empathy and understanding: Students explore different perspectives, celebrate diversity, and practice active listening.
- Decision-making skills: Students learn about decision-making processes, consider consequences, and set goals.
Study Skills: Strengthen time management, organization, and prioritization skills. Develop independent study habits and collaborate effectively with peers.
Public Speaking: Build confidence and become articulate communicators by presenting class work, book reports, and creative projects to the audience.
Creative Expression
Technology Integration
Language and Culture
In 3rd grade Spanish, students will build on their existing language skills. They will practice using common phrases and further develop their vocabulary. They will also learn about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries through various activities and music. Additionally, students will begin to write simple sentences, respond to questions, and learn common verbs and basic verb conjugation.
Physical Fitness
4th Grade
Highlights of the fourth grade program include:
- Navigating New Horizons
- Academic Excellence
- Character Development
- Creative Expression
- Technology Integration
- Language and Culture
- Physical Fitness
Navigating New Horizons
Academic Excellence
- Math: Dive deeper into mathematical concepts, including pre-algebra, fractions, geometry, data analysis, and problem-solving.
- Language Arts: Enhance reading comprehension through engaging novels, while developing strong writing skills in various genres. Master grammar, punctuation, and editing.
- Social Studies: Explore the rich history of California, delving into its diverse cultures, geography, and significant events.
- Science: Conduct in-depth scientific investigations, exploring Earth's features, energy, and the natural world.
Character Development
Social Emotional Learning
- Emotion management: Students identify and regulate emotions.
- Problem-solving: Students analyze problems, brainstorm solutions, and evaluate outcomes.
- Empathy and understanding: Students explore different perspectives and practice active listening.
- Decision-making: Students make informed decisions aligned with their values.
Study Skills: Develop essential time management, organization, and research skills.
Public Speaking: Build confidence and become articulate communicators through presentations and performances.
Creative Expression
Technology Integration
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Digital Literacy: Research and more complex use of digital tools on the iPad. Skills include online research and presentations, block coding, digital citizenship, and typing skills.
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Software and Applications: Scratch; Typing Club; Digital Citizenship curriculum from Common Sense Education, Google’s Be Internet Awesome, and Typing Club; Prodigy Math and English; Brain POP, Google Workspace for Education (Classroom, Slides, Docs, Drive)
Language and Culture
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Students review the prior year’s vocabulary while working on ease of conversation with new common phrases to include sports, feelings, community, traffic, telephone etiquette and transportation
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Exposure to the culture of Spanish speaking countries through activities, music and basic high use vocabulary
Physical Fitness
5th Grade
Highlights of the fifth grade program include:
- Bridge to the Future
- Academic Excellence
- Character Development
- Creative Expression
- Technology Integration
- Language and Culture
- Physical Fitness
Bridge to the Future
Academic Excellence
- Math: Master pre-algebra concepts, including place value, operations, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, and percents. Explore data, statistics, probability, integers, equations, and geometry.
- Language Arts: Deepen your understanding of literature through novel-based reading, focusing on literary devices, character analysis, and theme. Develop strong writing skills, including essays, reports, and creative writing.
- Social Studies: Study European exploration and U.S. history through the American Revolution, gaining a deeper understanding of key events, figures, and concepts.
- Science: Conduct in-depth scientific investigations, exploring properties of matter, Earth's systems, water, the solar system, and energy.
Character Development
Social Emotional Learning:
- Deepen emotional understanding: Identify and manage complex emotions.
- Build resilience: Cope with challenges and maintain positivity.
- Strengthen problem-solving skills: Analyze problems, brainstorm solutions, and evaluate outcomes.
- Promote empathy and understanding: Explore diverse perspectives and practice active listening.
- Make informed decisions: Consider long-term consequences and align goals with personal values.
Study Skills: Develop essential study skills like time management, organization, note-taking, and research.
Public Speaking: Enhance communication skills through presentations, reports, and participation in the State Report and Science Fair.
Creative Expression
Technology Integration
Mastering Digital Tools
- iPad Proficiency: Become proficient in using your iPad as a powerful learning tool.
- Digital Projects: Create engaging projects using Google Slides, Freeform, Canva, and Book Creator.
- Software & Applications: Explore a variety of educational software, including Scratch, Typing Club, Digital Citizenship curriculum, Prodigy Math and English, Brain POP, and Google Workspace for Education.
- Online Learning: Submit assignments and engage in online learning through Google Classroom.
Language and Culture
- Vocabulary Review and Expansion: Review and reinforce previous year's vocabulary while expanding conversational skills with new phrases related to sports, feelings, community, traffic, telephone etiquette, and transportation.
- Cultural Immersion: Explore the rich cultures of Spanish-speaking countries through engaging activities, music, and everyday vocabulary.
Physical Fitness
"BOA has a strong emphasis on academics, a well-rounded experience for kids, and the teachers have high standards that they hold students accountable to." - BOA Upper School Parent
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