Upper School (6-8)
The Upper School program supports students in finding their own voices and caring for one another and the world around them. The rigorous academic schedule balances the traditional courses of English, math, science, social studies, and Spanish with service learning, performing arts, studio art, design and engineering, and technology. Crane’s daily Assembly allows Upper School students to shine through public speaking opportunities and Spotlight performances. Upper School students can also participate in team athletics, the marimba xylophone group, and the annual Upper School Musical both on-stage and behind the scenes.
Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders are natural leaders on campus through programs such as Families, Student Council, and Tech Crew. A robust service-learning program is largely student driven and empowers students to creatively support non-profit organizations both locally and globally.
Explore Grades 6-8
Sixth Grade
SIXTH GRADE
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n sixth grade, students are introduced to the Upper School through classes that balance academic rigor with creative expression in a program that provides a wide variety of courses. Sixth graders hold a leadership role through the school-wide composting program and running Assemblies with Tech Crew. Sixth graders enjoy the Upper School programs including E-Block electives, the literary contest, Advisories, Days of Service, dances, and MATHCOUNTS.
A comprehensive Sixth Grade curriculum overview
Sixth Grade Curriculum
Design & Engineering
Students are introduced to the basics of the Engineering Design Process (EDP), computer coding, computer aided design (CAD), and fabrication. Most of these topics are presented within the context of Robotics. The EDP includes team collaboration, problem solving, evaluation, and iteration. Students will construct robots and then program the robots to perform specific tasks. Students are introduced to elementary CAD and design projects that are 3D printed or fabricated using other maker-space tools.
English
Students in sixth-grade English build skills that include reading comprehension, responding to and developing opinions, and knowing the parts of speech and proper punctuation. They create standard paragraphs and write in genres that include literary analysis, narrative, persuasion, exposition, and poetry. Units of study include short stories, mythology, poetry, and historical fiction. All units have experiential elements, including field trips, public speaking, and multimedia capstone projects.
Geography
Sixth-grade geography is designed to introduce a globally literate student with the critical thinking skills to analyze information and statistics and use this information to make informed decisions about world events and issues. During the course of the year, students will learn about how physical and human geography inform each other. In a survey study of each continent, students will focus in on particular cultures in order to make connections and learn to solve problems using geographic skills. Experiential lessons include world map drawing, Map Master, done-in-a-day projects, global conversations via Skype, and field trips.
Math
There are two sections of sixth grade math: Math 6 (Fundamentals) and Pre-Algebra. Appropriate placement for these classes will be decided upon review of the student’s academic records.
The goals of Math 6 include understanding and accurately applying concepts of arithmetic; using quantitative reasoning to understand the world; preparing for success in future math courses; and, becoming inspired to study mathematics further. Students will investigate prime numbers, positive and negative numbers, integers, coordinate planes, ratios, measurement, angles, metrics, and probability, among other lessons. Experiential projects throughout the year may include making cardboard models of fractions, measuring liquids to learn operations with fractions, applying Cartesian coordinates on an outdoor grid, using tiles and blocks to understand factoring, exponents and measurement, and discovering capabilities of calculators.
Pre-Algebra introduces students to explorations in algebraic thinking and concepts, and working with algebraic symbols. These early experiences are foundational for their later formal studies in algebra. Students study topics including proportions, rational number relationships, probability, topics in geometry, and learn to use functions, sequences, graphs and tables to represent linear relationships. They learn to appreciate math both as a collection of skills and as a field of discovery and invention, and they explore the connections between the procedures and the concepts. Experiential programs in Pre-Algebra include a celebration on Pi Day, linear function labs predicting the rebound of golf balls and the height of stacked cups, predicting the population of fish in a lake, and gumdrop geometry.
Science
The focus of sixth-grade science is threefold—environmental science, human biology, and physical science. The year’s lessons are experiential by nature, with hands-on experiments, field trips, and group projects. Students begin the year preparing for their trip to Catalina Island, then move to studying plankton tows, turbidity, salinity, and other water chemistry measurements. Utilizing the nearby beaches, students examine the local sandy beach wrack community, complete a sand grain analysis, and learn about beach profile mapping. Shore bird identification and a bird beak adaptation lab complete environmental studies before students shift to human biology, where they create anatomy modeling projects, and models of the human heart and great vessels. Physical science is explored through labs illustrating Newton’s three Laws of Motion.
Computers
Students continue to build their typing skills, while also learning to utilize digital formats for organization and how to apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems. In collaboration with other classes, students utilize the Internet for research, citations, and communication. Applications widely used include iMovie, PhotoShop, and Google applications that include Drive, Calendar, and Sheets. Digital citizenship and responsible use lessons that focus on digital media, online presence, and gender stereotypes are also covered.
Library
Sixth-grade library classes focus on study skills that include, but are not limited to, note taking, time management, and reading for information. Students are also introduced to digital and media literacy, appropriate laptop care and usage, and advanced research and works cited instruction using print and digital materials. Students are also encouraged to continue a love of books and reading through engaging discussions.
Performing Arts
Performing Arts introduces students to a variety of theatre arts and musical skills. Students will learn to use their bodies, voices, movement, and more to develop their performing arts skills. They will participate in character building, improvisation, scene work, monologue work, song writing, rhythm and tempo and Greek Chorus technique. Students are also encouraged to participate in the Music Hour, the Upper School Musical, and Vibes (marimba & percussion musical club), as well as join the year-round Technical Theater Crew. Tech theater is a great opportunity for students to learn about the behind-the-scenes world of theater as they help run daily Assemblies, as well as several full-scale productions for the Lower and Upper School students.
Physical Education
The purpose of the sixth-grade physical education program is to contribute to the preparation of the student for a life of physical wellbeing. The program will enhance the student’s sense of self, and develop their understanding of many sports. Teachers motivate each student to choose a lifestyle that is active, healthy, and meaningful, working with them to develop their personal and social skills by encouraging positive attitudes and values in their interaction with others. They will develop a variety of basic movement and manipulative skills so they experience success and feel comfortable during present and future physical pursuits. Units focus on learning basic skills and the rules of play in flag football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee, softball, hockey, and track and field. They will also demonstrate and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness with testing through the Presidential Fitness guidelines.
Seminar: Character Education
The first few Seminar meetings focus on the transition sixth-grade students have made from self-contained classrooms in elementary school to the departmentalized set-up of middle school, as well as preparation both socially and emotionally for the class trip to Catalina. Other topics include: building supportive relationships with peers, making good decisions when faced with peer pressure, and understanding and addressing the various roles involved in bullying. Learning strategies and study skills are also addressed.
Spanish
The goals of the Spanish program are to provide opportunities to listen, read, write, and speak in the target language and to foster an appreciation of Spanish-speaking communities, locally and globally. We use the Five C’s of the National Standards for Foreign Language Education as guiding principles at all levels of the program: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities. In sixth grade, students study ser and estar, present progressive, and descriptive adjectives, among other concepts and vocabulary. Experiential opportunities include decorating sugar skulls, authoring and illustrating children’s books, and organizing a Peru and Inca themed feast.
Studio Art
Sixth-grade student art curriculum focuses on “Art Around the World.” Students will study the crafts and cultural traditions of peoples from around the world, which includes learning about how arts and crafts relate to spirituality, identity, functionality, and cultural traditions. Students will also learn how art serves as a different perspective on history. Studio skills learned include development of fine motor skills through weaving, metal tooling, clay, fiber arts, and printmaking, as well as a growing independence in the art studio. Artists will also be introduced to critique.
Seventh Grade
SEVENTH GRADE
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s second year Upper School students, seventh graders continue to grow and pursue their passions. After kicking off their year with a trip week to Yosemite National Park, students maintain a full course load of English, math, science, history, and Spanish. Students also participate in performing art, studio art, design and engineering, E-Block electives, physical fitness, and computers. Unique to seventh grade, the QED (Quests, Explorations, Discoveries) project provides them the opportunity to chose an interest, work with a mentor on that topic, and present what they have learned and accomplished.
A comprehensive Seventh Grade curriculum overview
Seventh Grade Curriculum
English
Students in seventh-grade English further develop skills in reading comprehension, communication, and writing. The seventh-grade course emphasizes revision, genre writing, poetry, critical thinking, public speaking, and collaboration. Units of study may include the examination of and response to short stories, poetry, historical fiction novels, and primary sources. Students also participate in interdisciplinary projects, write for and perform in presentations, and explore real-world connections in person via field trips.
Math
Seventh-grade math has two sections: Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1. Appropriate placement for these classes will be decided upon review of the student’s academic success in previous math courses.
- Pre-Algebra introduces students to explorations in algebraic thinking and concepts, and working with algebraic symbols. These early experiences are foundational for their later formal studies in algebra. Students study topics including proportions, rational number relationships, probability, topics in geometry, and learn to use functions, sequences, graphs and tables to represent linear relationships. They learn to appreciate math both as a collection of skills and as a field of discovery and invention, and they explore the connections between the procedures and the concepts. Experiential programs in Pre-Algebra include a celebration on Pi Day, linear function labs predicting the rebound of golf balls and the height of stacked cups, predicting the population of fish in a lake, and gumdrop geometry.
- Algebra 1 introduces topics including properties of real-number arithmetic; linear and absolute-value equations and inequalities; quadratic, rational, and radical equations; the Pythagorean Theorem; and graphing on the coordinate plane. Students learn to use functions to model real-world mathematical relationships; they also learn to solve word problems involving rates, projectile motion, and weighted averages. Experiential projects include interactive computer games and simulations as well as outdoor activities involving measurement, motion, and graphing.
Science and Design & Engineering
Seventh grade students split their year between the science lab and the design and engineering center.
Science curriculum focuses on two major units: nutrition and food science, and earth science and astronomy. Food science activities and labs are performed to further investigate and understand water and the macromolecules needed in metabolism and growth. Economic and cultural aspects of food are also included in what has become a fun and well received collection of activities that include reading excerpts from authors like Eric Schlosser and Michael Pollan, taste tests, field trips to local farmer’s markets and grocery stores, and labs that include measuring caloric intake, colligative properties of water, and identification of sugars, starch and electrolytes in commercial drinks.
Seventh-grade design and engineering iterates safety and tool use in the design & engineering center. Students are introduced to 2D and 3D computer-based design, which will be used in projects on the laser cutter and 3D printers. The engineering design process is used in a group project to design, craft and improve a small device with a purpose. This process is then revisited in a larger team project to design and fabricate an interactive game. Students are introduced to technical drawing for industrial design that includes delineating plans, and elevations of objects as well as demonstrating linear and isometric perspective. Electronics and programming are reviewed and a capstone project is introduced which incorporates the engineering design process, electronics, fabrication, and programming.
World History
In seventh-grade world history, students will become familiar with how events unfolded on a global scale in a way that still affect the modern world. Students will proceed chronologically and topically from prehistory to the modern era. They will be introduced to critical analytical concepts. These include the distinction between primary and secondary sources, the ability to perceive past events from multiple perspectives, the limits of what we can know about the past, and a basic understanding of how (and how not) to interpret key ideas in light of historical evidence. While much of what the students will learn comes from texts and images, students will also learn through experiential simulations of the past. Some of this involves extensions into the realm of art, when the students recreate cuneiform writing, to less formal recreations of revolutionary moments like the French Revolution, to more empathetic understandings of how soldiers conducted trench warfare in World War I. The aim of this course is to instill historical curiosity by teaching students how to do history, rather than merely having them study it.
Library
Building on skills learned in previous years, students make full use of all library materials for information and enjoyment. Units in advanced digital and media literacy instruction are taught to help students responsibly navigate the challenges of the digital world. Students are also taught advanced research and works cited instruction using print and digital materials.
Performing Arts
Students develop theater arts skills, as well as explore their musical and vocal abilities. Students will utilize their skills during in-class performances that include scene work, monologue work, mock audition technique, dance, band, and singer-song writer work. In addition, students participate in improvisational performance, develop blocking for comedic scenes that include an understanding of stage picture and character motivation, as well as develop and deliver constructive performance critique. Students are also encouraged to participate in the Music Hour, the Upper School Musical, and Vibes (marimba & percussion musical club), as well as join the year-round Technical Theater Crew. Tech theater is a great opportunity for students to learn about the behind-the-scenes world of theater as they help run daily Assemblies, as well as several full-scale productions for the Lower and Upper School students.
Physical Education
The seventh-grade physical education program aims to contribute to the preparation of the student for a life of physical wellbeing. The program will enhance the student’s sense of self, and develop their personal and social skills, as well as developing a broader understanding of many sports. Students will gain competency in many movement forms and apply movement concepts to develop their success in many arenas. They will learn to demonstrate responsible personal and social behaviors in an active environment. They will develop competency in various sports including, but not limited to, volleyball, soccer, flag football, basketball, hockey, ultimate frisbee, track and field, and they will participate in the Presidential Fitness testing. Through this program they will develop the ability to get along with others in a movement environment while further developing their skills in game situations.
QED Project
Seventh-grade students find their voice and pursue their passions through Crane’s QED (Quests, Explorations, Discoveries) Project. QED is a chance to explore an interest, pursue a dream, embark on a quest into a future career, or discover a new hobby. Through QED, students identify an area of study in which they are interested and are then paired with a mentor in the community who is an expert in that field. The student and the mentor work together outside of school for sixteen weeks and then students present their results, discoveries, and final projects to parents and students. Past QED topics have included journalism, radiology, sushi making, ukulele construction, computer coding, and theater make-up.
Seminar: Character Education
Seventh grade is a major entry point for admissions; thus, Seminar initially focuses on welcoming and supporting newcomers, and preparing the class socially and emotionally for their adventures to Yosemite. Later activities include: participating in drug education programming, developing media literacy, learning about body image issues and appropriate responses, and working toward tolerance through empathy by examining stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.
Service Learning
Students explore community needs, learn about young people who are making a difference in their communities, and visit organizations that are addressing these needs locally. Through research and discussion, students develop collaborative service projects that tackle topics including poverty, food scarcity, and literacy. In the second half of the semester, students work both on and off campus to carry out these projects.
Spanish
The goals of the Spanish program are to provide opportunities to listen, read, write, and speak in the target language and to foster an appreciation of Spanish-speaking communities, locally and globally. We use the Five C’s of the National Standards for Foreign Language Education as guiding principles at all levels of the program: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities. A few major grammar concepts introduced in seventh grade Spanish are the preterit tense, verbs like gustar, and reflexive verbs. Experiential opportunities in this grade include a study of the Aztecs, various cooking activities, dancing, and an interdisciplinary quinceñera project, among others.
Studio Art
Student experiences in the seventh grade are framed by the concept of “Careers in the Arts.” Students learn about a variety of careers that utilize design and the artistic process such as landscape, fashion, package, and graphic design as well as architecture, photography, illustration, and fine arts. Guest speakers from a variety of creative fields visit throughout the year. Students are challenged to solve real-world problems using the design thinking process. Continued refinement of studio skills in drawing, painting, 3D, and graphic design are used with an emphasis on discerning the appropriate media to solve the problem. Student-led critique, development of artist’s statements, and a growing independence in the art studio are encouraged and nurtured.
Eighth Grade
EIGHTH GRADE
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rane’s eighth graders are the esteemed leaders on campus. In the Families program, they are the “parents,” leading discussion and activities in the cross-grade group lunches. In Assembly, they lead announcements as the student council members. And, through public speaking class, each eighth grader prepares and presents a speech in Assembly, an audience of more than 300. The eighth-grade experience culminates with a formal graduation ceremony, which individually celebrates each student through a personal vignette highlighting his or her personality and achievements.
A comprehensive Eighth Grade curriculum overview
Eighth Grade Curriculum
English
Students in eighth-grade English work with greater independence as readers and writers. They read daily as part of a yearlong independent project on a topic of their choice, as well as reading Shakespeare and modern novels as a class. They also write daily in all genres, revising often and revisiting the idea of the paragraph. There are multiple collaborations with various other subjects as well, including an exploration of the topic of identity in multimedia projects in Studio Art, and Current Event speech writing in cooperation with Public Speaking.
In collaboration with Studio Art, students explore the topic of Identity in multimedia projects.
History
In eighth-grade United States history, students will focus on four major historical themes: slavery and the history of racism, civil rights and enfranchisement, the Constitution and civics, and immigration and foreign policy. An exploration of these themes is designed to present major events, historical figures, and important social and cultural movements from the late sixteenth-century to the modern era. In addition, the eighth graders travel to the Deep South to study civil rights in late September.
Students are given assignments that enhance and further develop their command of analytical prose, critical reading, public speaking, and rhetoric. These include a regular analysis of age-appropriate primary source material, a constant linkage between past and current events through in-class presentations, and carefully guided group discussions and debate forums. Students are encouraged to recognize both similarities and differences between past and present events, and to be able to adopt a broad variety of perspectives on cultural and social issues. History in the eighth grade combines an emphasis on heritage with a mind to give students the tools they will need to become effective and politically active citizens.
Math
There are two sections of eighth-grade math: Algebra 1 and Geometry. Appropriate placement for these classes will be decided upon review of the student’s academic performance in previous math courses.
- Algebra 1 introduces topics including properties of real-number arithmetic; linear and absolute-value equations and inequalities; quadratic, rational, and radical equations; the Pythagorean Theorem; and graphing on the coordinate plane. Students learn to use functions to model real-world mathematical relationships; they also learn to solve word problems involving rates, projectile motion, and weighted averages. Experiential projects include interactive computer games and simulations as well as outdoor activities involving measurement, motion, and graphing.
- Geometry introduces students to the use of inductive reasoning for developing conjectures about the properties of geometric figures. After their explorations, the students use deductive reasoning in formal proof to confirm the conjectures as theorems. Students study topics including the basic elements of geometry; properties of triangles, quadrilaterals and circles; area and volume; and the Pythagorean Theorem and properties of right triangles. Experiential projects include online tools such as Desmos and Geogebra, geometric constructions, and advanced problem solving.
Science and Engineering & Design
Eighth-grade students split their year between the science lab and the design and engineering center.
Chemistry is the primary area of study in eighth-grade science. Twelve lab experiments make up the core of this program. Students learn to conduct each of the labs, develop requisite lab techniques, and write formal follow-up reports, all of which are critical skills for successful experiences in high school science courses. Students are introduced to the periodic table, examine energy content, study endothermic and exothermic chemical reactions, survey the characteristics of metals, use titration techniques, and examine synthesis and electrolysis, among other topics.
Eighth-grade engineering iterates safety and tool use in the design & engineering center. Students are introduced to 2D and 3D computer-based design, which will be used in projects on the laser cutter and 3D printers. The engineering design process is used in a group project to design, craft and improve a small device with a purpose. This process is then revisited in a larger team project to design and fabricate an interactive game. Students are introduced to technical drawing for industrial design that includes delineating plans, and elevations of objects as well as demonstrating linear and isometric perspective. Electronics and programming are reviewed and a capstone project is introduced which incorporates the engineering design process, electronics, fabrication, and programming.
Computers
Students continue to build their typing skills, while also learning to utilize digital formats for organization and how to apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems. In collaboration with other classes, students utilize the Internet for research, citations, and communication. Applications widely used include iMovie, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Google applications that include Drive, Calendar, and Sheets. Students utilize Photoshop to create half-page yearbook pages that represent themselves. Digital citizenship and responsible use lessons that focus on scams and schemes are covered, and laptop maintenance best practices including updates, anti-virus software, and operating systems are reviewed.
Performing Arts
Students develop theatre arts skills, as well as explore their musical and vocal abilities. Students will utilize their skills during in-class performances that include scene work, monologue work, mock audition technique, dance, band, and singer-song writer work. In addition, students participate in improvisational performance, study character development, explore blocking techniques, create design for costumes and sets, as well as develop and deliver constructive performance critique. Students are also encouraged to participate in the Music Hour, the Upper School Musical, and Vibes (marimba & percussion musical club) as well as join the year-round Technical Theater Crew. Tech Theater is a great opportunity for students to learn about the behind-the-scenes world of theater as they help run daily assemblies as well as several full-scale productions for the Lower and Upper School students.
Physical Education
The eighth-grade physical education program aims to prepare each student with the knowledge and skills to participate in game-time situations within a variety of sports. They will achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness while demonstrating responsible personal and social behavior in the physical activity setting. This includes understanding and respect for differences among people in a game setting. Through participation they will understand that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction. Students will understand strategies of game play in soccer, volleyball, basketball, flag football, and understand rules of play in ultimate frisbee, track and field, speed mitten, lacrosse, softball, and hockey.
Public Speaking & Presentations
Public speaking is an integral part of the English curriculum at all levels. In eighth grade the program culminates with a speech delivered during all-school Assembly and followed by a Q&A session. Students explore all elements of building and performing a speech, including research and citation, writing and revision, illustration, rehearsal and audience awareness, and reflection. Depending on scheduling and class size, in some years eighth graders also have an extra Public Speaking class period.
Seminar: Leadership Training
As the eldest students at Crane, eighth graders focus on leadership training in Seminar classes. Students will learn how to identify leadership traits and prepare for their roles as leaders at the school the first few weeks of the year. Then, students will learn to navigate the high school selection process that may include campus visits, admission tests, interviews, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Eighth graders will also study sex education, including physical relationships, male and female reproductive systems, pregnancy and childbirth, birth control, and sexually transmitted diseases. Finally, students will end the year celebrating the end of middle school and looking ahead to high school.
Service Learning
Eighth graders build on their seventh-grade service learning experience by taking on larger scale semester-long service projects. Working in teams, students identify community needs they are interested in addressing and find local organizations to collaborate with. They develop a plan, present it to the class, and work both on and off campus to carry out their projects.
Spanish
The goals of the Spanish program are to provide opportunities to listen, read, write, and speak in the target language and to foster an appreciation of Spanish-speaking communities, locally and globally. We use the Five C’s of the National Standards for Foreign Language Education as guiding principles at all levels of the program: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities. In eighth grade students study the imperfect tense, comparatives and superlatives, and commands. Signature experiences include a Latin American and Spanish art project and field trip, an exploration of Guatemalan and Mayan culture, and a Spanish-language music presentation. Though the pace of foreign language acquisition is unique to each individual student, we expect graduates of our program to master a beginner to intermediate level of Spanish.
Studio Art & i@pp
The eighth-grade year is framed by the question, “What is Identity?” and collaborates with English extensively developing this theme. In the first semester, students create a series of self-portraits using a variety of media and concepts that move from the abstract to highly representational. As a culmination of their art career at Crane, students learn how to write a grant proposal and then create a focused body of work in the art studio. This project is known as the i@pp or independent art project and presentation. Students choose media, subject, and course of action. Emphasis is placed on the artist’s process, time management, problem solving, and perseverance as well as their final presentation and exhibition
Student Council
Student Council consists of five eighth-grade students who run for election at the end of their seventh-grade year. Chosen by the input of all Upper School students, these student leaders are responsible for being the voice of the Upper School student body. The group addresses student-life issues, plans social events, coordinates fundraising efforts for student activities, and participates in community decision-making. The officers are also responsible for leading announcements each morning during Assembly.
Ambassador Program
Student ambassadors work closely with the admission office throughout their eighth-grade year. Responsibilities include greeting all student visitors in the front office and checking in on the visitors during recess and lunch; answering questions for prospective students and visitor buddies; writing up notes on student visitors; attending occasional meetings to discuss the program. Ambassadors are valued for their input in making visit days positive and memorable for all student guests. At the beginning of each school year, the admission office requests applications from eighth graders interested in participating in the ambassador program.
Crane Family Leaders
As leaders of the school, eighth graders are “parents” in the Families program at Crane. During the once-monthly lunches, eighth graders escort the youngest students—kindergartners and first graders—to their designated Families room, and they lead projects, games, and discussions during those lunches.
Pizza Days
As a perk of being an eighth grader, students are permitted to order pizza on Wednesdays. Students are responsible for placing orders during morning recess and for covering the cost of any pizza ordered.
Upper School Programs
There are many programs for Upper School students to participate in throughout the school year.
- Trip Weeks
- Elective Program (E-Block)
- Advisory
- Study Hall
- Seminar & Digital Citizenship
- 1-to-1 Laptop Program
- Student Clubs & Groups
- Sports Teams
- Mornings of Service
- Upper School Musical
- Literary Contest
Trip Weeks
Elective Program (E-Block)
Integrating experiential learning and choice, E-Block elective classes go beyond textbook learning and allow students to delve into a topic with active hands-on exploration, interaction with professional experts, and occasional field trips. Students have a choice of several elective classes each year. The wide-range of selections offered have included:
The World of Water – Students celebrate the water surrounding us by examining water science in the lab and enjoying water activities at the beach.
Let’s Build – Students learn about different architectural styles both locally and globally and build replica creations of their own designs.
The Sporting Life – Students celebrate the fact that sports occupy an important place in society as they delve into the wide world of athletic competition.
Build a Bakery – Students study the keys to a successful business, experiment with recipes, look at food trends, and bake for a cause.
Making by Breaking – Students tinker as they take things apart, put them back together, figure out how to fix them, and use the parts for other things.
The Story Tellers – Students explore the power of stories through traditions such as song, dance, comedy, mime, costumes, poetry, juggling, and magic.
Coding and Programming – Students learn the basics of coding, learn about designing video games, and learn how operating systems work.
Farm-to-Table:Growing and Preparing Local Foods – Students engage in gardening and farming as they explore the Slow Food Movement.
Advisory
Study Hall
Seminar & Digital Citizenship
All Upper School students participate in Seminar, a program that emphasizes the social-emotional lives of students—decision-making, peer relationships, defining values. For particular curriculum details, see grade-specific descriptions. The educators at Miles-to-Go visit campus one week each year to provide drug prevention instruction to seventh and eighth graders.
Upper School students are introduced to a wide array of topics related to digital citizenship in their computer and library classes. Appropriate and responsible behaviors with respect to technology and the Internet are covered and include topics such as cyber bullying, privacy of digital information, research skills and credibility, and ethics related to technology.
1-to-1 Laptop Program
Student Clubs & Groups
Sports Teams
Crane Athletics