Children entering their twelfth year begin to experience an important change in their physical bodies. Whereas their movements before were naturally graceful (generally speaking), now a certain clumsiness often appears, as if they do not quite know what to do with their bodies. Sixth graders’ capacity for logical thinking and independent judgment fully awakens. The authority of the class teacher gives way to the individual student’s search for truth.

History

The Roman epoch epitomizes in an historical sense what children are then experiencing in their bodies. Of all the ancient peoples, the Romans most strongly dominated the physical world. Their cities, roads, aqueducts, army, and conquest of the Western world—all these accomplishments match a feeling of omnipotence present in the sixth grader ("I can do anything!"). Yet equally important for them is the example of how the excesses of the Roman period led to the eradication of native cultures, the fall of the Roman Empire, the Dark Ages—that were subsequently illuminated by the new religion of Christianity.

Geology

With increasing awareness of their physical bodies, the time is right for the study of the physical body of the earth. Geology is introduced first in a comparative way. For example, the granite peaks of the Sierras may be contrasted with the worn limestone hills of the eastern United States.

Science

In the sixth grade, children are introduced to the basic concepts of physics. As with all the subjects in our school, physics is first approached through art: acoustics comes through observing how music is made. Children discover that they too have a musical instrument within them, the larynx. Optics is introduced through contemplating the interplay of light and darkness, out of which color arises.

Math

Previous math skills are reviewed, including counting and rhythmic work; computations with fractions, decimals and primes; and extensive mental math using sets. In Business Math students learn practical application of arithmetic operations in a business. In prior grades, geometric shapes have been drawn freehand as artistic exercises. Now students work very consciously with geometry, developing skills with classic tools and building up concepts through orderly pictorial proofs. The compass and straight edge are used to divide circles (1/4s, 1/6s, 1/8s, 1/12s, 1/24s) and to learn the number of degrees in various plane figures.

Special Subjects

Their ongoing work in foreign languages now includes reading simple texts and humorous stories. Art and handwork provide opportunities to practice mosaic pictures, black and white drawing, shadows, watercolor landscapes, sewing, woodworking, and clay work. Music study includes two- and three-part choruses, minstrel songs and songs of the Middle Ages, Roman music, recorder playing, as well as stringed orchestra. Greek sports transform into medieval games and Roman style marching and form. Team sports are introduced through team-building activities and lead-up games. They also participate in eurythmy and circus arts.

We encourage you to visit our school to learn more.  Visit the Calendar page for the dates of next School Tours and Events.

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To apply for Grades enrollment, please visit the Apply page.