Upper Elementary (3rd-5th Grades)
The Valley School’s Upper School (3rd–5th grade) is a vibrant learning community where students are both challenged and cherished. The program’s unique structure provides both grade-level and mixed-grade groupings, so teachers can truly respond to each child’s needs. Hands-on thematic units tie subjects together, making learning meaningful and fun. One week, students might be designing an experiment in science and writing an informational booklet on the topic and the next, they’re leading a school-wide project on climate action while manipulating relevant data – all under the guidance of passionate teachers who know them well. Valley School’s emphasis on community and character shines: older kids mentor younger buddies, teachers weave social-emotional skills into each day, and everyone contributes to a warm, inclusive school culture.
Literacy
Reading and writing flourish in Valley's Upper School. By third grade, students are transitioning from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” and the curriculum nurtures this leap in independence. In Reader’s Workshop, children dive into rich literature – from novels to nonfiction – and discuss their ideas in small, flexible groups, honing comprehension strategies as they go. They enjoy read-alouds and literature circles that spark insight and critical thinking. In Writer’s Workshop, Upper Schoolers learn to craft everything from personal narratives to persuasive essays, following the full writing process of drafting, revising, and publishing their work. Teachers also weave in Word Study: fun explorations of spelling patterns, grammar rules, and vocabulary to strengthen students’ language skills. By integrating these elements, Valley School’s literacy program ensures that each child becomes a confident reader and writer who not only masters fundamentals like cursive and keyboarding, but also finds their own voice and joy in literacy.
Math
Math in Valley’s Upper School is both challenging and fun. Teachers follow the Bridges in Mathematics 3rd Edition curriculum which emphasizes understanding why math works, not just getting the answer. A typical day might begin with a whole-class exploration of a new concept, but soon you’ll find students breaking into small groups and stations. It’s common to see kids playing math games in class, laughing and strategizing as they reinforce their skills. These games and activities are often tiered with different levels of challenge, so every child is appropriately stretched. Valley’s teachers also use flexible small-group lessons to target specific skills and provide extra practice or extensions as needed. This intentional mix of direct instruction, exploration, and play ensures students gain computational fluency and confidence. Just as importantly, students learn to talk about their mathematical thinking – explaining their strategies and solving problems collaboratively – so they grow into problem-solvers who truly understand math.
Social Studies
The Upper School Social Studies program immerses students in both local history and broader world themes. Children learn about Washington State, Seattle’s community and geography, early U.S. history, and important global issues. Lessons often connect with other subjects – for example, students might read stories or create art related to the culture or time period they are studying. Throughout these units, students move beyond just memorizing facts and begin to think like young historians and community leaders, developing critical thinking as they consider problems and solutions from the past and present.
Units culminate in an interactive project or event that students create – for example, a class might transform their room into a museum exhibit or perform a play to showcase their learning. Field trips and guest speakers also bring topics to life; one week, students might visit a local museum or interview a community helper to connect their classroom lessons with the real world. Upper Schoolers take the lead in service projects tied to their curricular work as well, brainstorming ways to serve their community and then working together to make a difference. These hands-on experiences ensure that social studies is not just about studying history and culture, but also about inspiring students to become thoughtful, active citizens.
