Welcome from the
Head of Upper Elementary

Dear Upper Elementary Families,

Grades 4 and 5 are a time of exciting growth and change, nested between the needs of our youngest grades and those of the early adolescents in Middle School. We respond to the unique developmental needs of children in this critical stage by creating a separate Grades 4 and 5 division. Here, children begin to stretch toward greater independence, curiosity, and responsibility, while still benefiting from the guidance and support of a close-knit community.

Students in the upper elementary years are transitioning from concrete to abstract thinking, developing a deeper capacity for critical analysis, and fostering greater independence in their learning. While they have outgrown the simpler tasks of earlier grades, they still require structure and scaffolding to build confidence and mastery of complex concepts. A dedicated division for Grades 4 and 5 allows us to create a curriculum and employ teaching approaches specifically designed to nurture these abilities, support students’ social and emotional growth, and prepare them for the greater independence of Middle School. This structure also strengthens alignment between Grades 4 and 5 and the Middle School, ensuring students are equipped to confidently transition to the next phase of their St. Patrick’s experience.

As students travel through elementary school at St. Patrick’s, they gain the skills and experience necessary to transition to Middle School. We look forward to sharing more about these important years with you!

Best,
Jenifer Congdon

Assistant Head of School for Academics / Head of Grades 4 and 5