Upper School (6-8)

English class digs into all language arts skills: reading and writing, listening and speaking. Students read novels, poetry, plays, and non-fiction together; they also read independently. Writing instruction focuses on strong sentences and paragraphs, and we build in frequent creative assignments. Our Public Speaking program culminates with each student’s eighth grade speech to the school, and along the way students create researched podcasts and develop the skills of persuasive argument.

The social studies curriculum proceeds from the physical and cultural geography of the ancient world to the modern global history of the United States. Sixth graders gain knowledge of the rivers, mountain ranges, and other prominent physical features of the globe that shaped early human migration and societies. Emphasis is placed on a familiarity with the commonalities and differences between groups of people. Seventh graders expand their knowledge of the development of these early cultures through a rigorous and comparative study of the early modern history of the world. Eighth graders are inspired to connect these earlier processes to contemporary issues in the modern United States. Throughout students are encouraged to contemplate the ways in which a diversity of perspectives, peoples, and identities contributes to the world as it exists today. This journey through world history and geography is equal parts analytical and experiential, as students engage with reading, writing, public speaking, and creative and artistic projects through which they can better understand the past.

Our mathematics program provides opportunities for all students to become more mathematically confident, to take risks in a safe environment, and to develop a deep mathematical fluency. We emphasize the conceptual “why” behind a problem. The course offerings (Math 6, Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Geometry) prepare students for future math classes at both independent and public high schools. Our hope is that through creative daily warm-ups, students will develop a lifelong appreciation for math and an understanding of how math connects to the world around them. Course placement is based on assessments and teacher recommendations.

The science program offers an enriching experiential learning experience, providing students with the opportunity to delve into various scientific disciplines, including biology, geology, chemistry, and physics. Through hands-on activities, experiments, and exploration, students actively engage with the fundamental principles and concepts of each field.This multi-faceted approach not only broadens students' understanding of the natural world but also fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and a genuine appreciation for the interconnectedness of the scientific disciplines. Overall, the experiential nature of the program cultivates curiosity, ignites a passion for discovery, and prepares students to actively engage with the wonders of the scientific world.

With an unwavering dedication to experiential learning, Crane ensures that every student has the opportunity to engage with the Design & Engineering Center. Design & Engineering is more than just building and making. Students learn about problem-solving, the benefits of iteration, collaboration, and resilience, through an emphasis on the engineering design process. Our state-of-the-art maker space seamlessly blends the use of traditional, low-fi tools with cutting-edge, high-tech machinery of the 21st Century. As a result, the learning experiences within our maker space, not only amplify, but also enrich and enhance the educational journey encountered in the homeroom classroom and other academic disciplines.

The performing arts is a place where students build their confidence and comfort in front of an audience. Theater arts focuses on physical and vocal expression to explore emotions, create characters, and invent dramatic and comedic dialogue and stories. Students build their performing arts skills progressively through activities such as improvisation, scene work, monologue work, Greek Chorus technique, and mock auditions. In music, students work on matching pitch, healthy singing voices, and two-part harmonies. They study various genres of music and explore choreography techniques with a focus on creative movement and dance. They also practice percussion techniques and have the opportunity to play many instruments. A culmination of what is learned in performing arts is showcased in the Upper School musical, which features speaking parts for every student, group singing, and a full-scale production. Additionally, an important component of the performing arts curriculum is building a foundation for public speaking. Throughout their time at Crane, students have many opportunities to participate in all-school Assemblies.

The art experience is vibrant and far-ranging. Students receive an introduction to arts and crafts from around the globe in the sixth grade. They create a passport and begin their journey of exploring different traditions, both ancient and current. Projects include beading, metalwork, indigo dyeing, and weaving. In the seventh grade students look at the traditions of studio artists and various art-related careers. They dive deep into acrylic painting while exploring mixed media, oil pastels, or watercolor. They also embark on creating characters out of paper mache or clay. In the eighth grade students explore personal styles through critique and in a variety of media. The final semester is devoted to the i@pp (independent art project and presentation) where students learn about the process of submitting a proposal and creating a focused body of work for their culminating art show.

The overall objective of the Spanish program is to foster an appreciation of a world language, provide communicative opportunities to develop conversational skills, and promote an understanding of the diverse cultures found in Spanish-speaking communities both locally and globally. Through Crane’s experiential approach to learning, students engage in listening, reading, writing, and speaking activities. The Spanish department uses the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages as guiding principles: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities. Students are welcomed in each grade at a variety of levels, and the pace of instruction is tailored to meet the needs of individual students and their class. Our courses provide instruction and exposure to the language and is not a bilingual program; graduates of the Upper School Spanish program can expect to master a beginner to intermediate level.

Computer class, which is taught by the Technology Specialist, focuses on students' digital literacy and productivity skills. Using Google apps, students learn how to efficiently organize and manage files, create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. They also gain an understanding of data analysis, data visualization, and reporting using these applications. Additionally, students learn digital imaging, animation, and video editing using Adobe applications.

Upper School physical education is designed to engage students in a variety of sports, ranging from soccer, volleyball, and basketball to pickleball and ultimate frisbee, to name just a few of our units. Students meet twice a cycle for forty-five minutes. This class focuses on character development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The overall goals of the program are to develop skills in various sports, to gain an understanding of rules of play and strategy, to create a love for play, and to promote lifelong healthy habits.

The library curriculum fosters and promotes a lifelong love of reading. In the earlier years, students are introduced to the library and learn to be responsible for the care and return of books. As students become more independent, they practice the skills of researching and reporting using both digital and print materials and also engage in digital citizenship lessons.

Seminar is a non-graded course that is part of the affective curriculum at Crane. Taught by the Head of Upper School, it meets once a cycle at each grade level. This discussion-based class focuses largely on the social-emotional lives of students. Topics are far-ranging, from building healthy relationships and dealing with peer pressure to developing media literacy and striving for ethical citizenship. Students also participate in health and drug education programs.

Electives meet every E-Day in the six-day (A-F) cycle during the last two periods of the school day. Integrating experiential learning and student choice, these courses allow students to delve into a topic with hands-on exploration, interaction with outside experts, and frequent field trips. Students choose three electives per school year. Past offerings include: Outdoor Adventures, Dungeons and Dragons, Ultimate Frisbee, Bakeries and Bites, Coyote Cares, Ceramics, Anime, Book Club, and Sports Medley.

Study Hall takes place every day after lunch recess. All Upper School teachers are available during this time to assist students, and all Upper School classrooms and adjacent outdoor spaces are designated study areas. Students might use this time to get a jump on homework assignments, study for tests or quizzes, read independently, meet with a teacher for extra help, or work with classmates on group projects.

Advisory groups gather every morning for homeroom, attendance, and checking in. They also meet one period every 6-day cycle for a designated activity. These sessions vary. One week the advisory groups might do goal-setting exercises or share wellness tips. Another week they might embark on service learning trips, engage in friendly competitions, or collaborate with their Lower School student buddies.