Dear Planning Ahead, 

Although in most schools, students start middle school in 6th grade, Montessori students stay in their Upper Elementary class for 6th grade, and it’s worth it! The 6th year is the culmination of the Elementary years - called the 2nd Plane of Development (roughly age 6 to age 12). It is a year full of leadership and experiences that will solidify the child’s preparation for adolescence. The development of the child’s executive functioning skills, which are so crucial to the success of adolescents, can be prepared and honed in their 6th year. These skills include time management, handling deadlines, self-regulation and becoming  more confident in their own ability. 

Read more about the 6th grade year on our Cascadia School Blog: https://www.cascadiaschool.org/why-stay-for-6th-year 

The Montessori adolescent  program builds on the foundation of the elementary and  uniquely meets the developmental needs of youth and continues Cascadia’s mission of educating the whole child/young person as they do the work of constructing themselves. 

Read more about Middle School on our Cascadia School Blog: 

https://www.cascadiaschool.org/why-stay-for-middle-school 

Parents of 5th & 6th years have been invited to observe in the middle school program to see how our adolescent environment, how our adolescent guides interact with the adolescents and how students interact with each other. This spring, sixth-year students will have an opportunity to visit the Cedar  classroom too.