Upper Elementary Snapshot
Grades 4 & 5
Dear Upper Elementary Families,
As we look ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, we are excited to welcome your child into our Upper Elementary Program; a joyful and purposeful bridge between the nurturing environment of our Primary and Montessori classrooms and the increased independence and rigor of Middle School.
Whether your child is transitioning from Grades 1–3 or stepping into 5th grade as they prepare for the next chapter, we recognize this is a meaningful moment of growth. These years mark an important shift, not only academically, but in how students begin to understand themselves as learners, leaders, and community members. That’s why we’ve designed our Upper Elementary experience to gently guide students into greater independence, while ensuring they continue to feel deeply seen, supported, and celebrated.
In a time when many schools focus on scale, NFA remains rooted in intention and connection. Our small class sizes, dedicated teaching teams, and wholechild approach allow us to create a space where students thrive; developing the confidence, curiosity, and resilience they’ll carry with them into Middle School and beyond.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to connect. We are here to support you and your child through every step of this exciting journey.
Warmly,
Day at a Glance
SampleSchedule
8:00 - 8:25AM
8:26 - 9:10AM 9:11 - 9:55AM 9:56 - 10:05AM 10:06 - 10:50AM 10:51- 11:35AM 11:36 - 12:35 12:36 - 1:20PM 1:21 - 2:05PM 2:06 - 2:50PM
EnrichmentPeriod
ElectivePeriod(clickheretosee24-25 offerings)
Lunch&Recess(Combined4/5)
Small Class Size, Big Impact
Our small class size offers your child a more personalized and supportive learning environment.
Our small class size allows for a highly personalized and supportive learning experience. Teachers are able to adapt instruction to meet individual needs, provide meaningful, one-onone feedback, and cultivate strong relationships with each student. This nurturing environment fosters academic growth, close-knit peer connections, and helps students develop confidence, voice, and emerging leadership skills.
Growing Strong Foundations
Upper Elementary is the time for shaping character, confidence, and identity.
B - Belonging E - Effort
A - Adventure
R - Resilience
S - Success
These five values form the foundation of our classroom culture, community interactions, and student expectations, aligned with the SSJ mission. Students learn what it means to be a BEAR through daily routines like Morning Meeting, Religion discussions, and collaborative activities. These values help shape not only academic growth, but also the social and emotional development essential to leadership and lifelong learning.
Reflection & Leadership
Upper Elementary starts with connection and builds toward leadership. We begin the year with a fun and welcoming Kickoff Party for all 4th and 5th graders. This summer event helps students reconnect, meet their teachers, and build excitement for the year ahead as a cohort. Early in the school year, our 4th Grade Retreat focuses on belonging, goal-setting, and friendship. In 5th grade, students take on meaningful leadership roles through the Fontbonne Executive Board and BEARS Safety Program, gaining confidence and learning what it means to lead within our school community.
Executive Functioning Course
All Upper Elementary students will participate in an executive functioning course, led by Mrs. Eiser as a part of the elective offerings. We explicitly teach organization skills at this level to help students prepare for the demands of managing a fuller courseload. This course will help students develop crucial skills such as organization, time-management, study strategies, and self-awareness; all skills that build independence and set the foundation for long term academic success.
STEM & Spanish
Students engage in innovation and global learning.
Our Media Studies/STEM class provides hands-on opportunities for students to work with technology, explore media tools, gain research skills, and engage in creative problem-solving. These experiences build digital literacy, design thinking, and collaboration skills.
Alongside this, students enjoy an increased frequency of Spanish classes, helping them deepen communication skills and cultural understanding essential components of global citizenship, preparing them to take on the Spanish coursework as a core subject area in middle school.
Choice Electives
Electives give students voice, choice, and excitement in their learning.
Whether joining Choir, exploring arts or technology, diving into physical movement, or trying something entirely new, our elective program encourages curiosity and creativity. Students rotate through different electives across the year, which fosters confidence, independence, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone. These experiences also provide opportunities to work in mixed-age groups and build connections beyond homeroom peers.
Sports & Movement
Teamwork, growth, and sportsmanship are at the heart of our athletics program.
In Upper Elementary, students participate in regular physical education and have the opportunity to explore school athletics in a way that promotes healthy habits, confidence, and collaboration. Our athletics philosophy focuses on skill-building, effort, and character not just competition. Through our partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), we emphasize respectful play, resilience, and growth mindset, helping students become leaders on and off the field. Whether in PE class, after-school sports, or informal games, movement is an essential part of the school day and a powerful tool for learning life lessons.
Service & Giving Back
Service helps students grow as compassionate leaders.
Throughout the year, students are encouraged to look beyond themselves and consider how they can contribute to the greater good. From classroom-based service projects to schoolwide initiatives, our service opportunities foster empathy, responsibility, and a sense of purpose. These experiences are deeply rooted in our Catholic identity and help students understand the importance of living out their faith through action.
Field Trip Experiences
Field trips bring learning to life beyond the classroom walls.
Our 4th graders take a memorable trip to Harrisburg and Hershey, where Pennsylvania history and government come alive through hands-on experiences and engaging visits. For 5th graders, the journey continues with a trip to Ellis Island, offering a powerful exploration of immigration history and the American experience.
These signature trips deepen students’ understanding of curriculum content, spark curiosity, and create lasting memories that enrich their education.
