Montessori Upper-Elementary Program in Chevy Chase
ONENESS-FAMILY
Upper Elementary
School Program
The Oneness-Family School elementary program has a strong emphasis on cultivating community, finding one’s own voice, and contributing to a peaceful and sustainable world. For students in grades four and five, the cross-curricular Montessori program combines math, science, reading, writing, expressive art, foreign language, yoga, and athletics with social and emotional learning.
- Students in our Academy class (Grades 4 & 5) study and contemplate the origins of the universe, early human history and beliefs, and basic scientific principles governing life on Earth.
- The high quality of learning in the Upper Elementary program is founded on the depth of understanding the teachers have about the holistic development of each student.
- Elementary school years span a major period of social development, one tended carefully by teachers and staff to foster each student’s sense of belonging in the classroom, school, and wider communities of city, nation, and the world.
Academy Adventures
Minerals & Gems Exhibit
Apr 12 2024
Exploring the wonders of our planet at the Natural History Museum’s Minerals and Gems exhibit was a fantastic finale to our Academy class unit on earth science! Fourth and fifth graders marveled at the intricate formations, learned about the earth’s history, and left with a newfound appreciation for the world beneath our feet.
Echo Hill
Apr 5 2024
From conquering the giant swing to navigating through the swamp, our Academy class embraced the adventure at Echo Hill Outdoor School on the Eastern Shore!
Students delved into the mysteries of aquatic ecosystems as they explored the Echo Hill swamp. Braving the elements in survival class, they proved their resilience, embodying the spirit of endurance and camaraderie. In the evening, sheltered from the rain, they immersed themselves in the timeless tale of “The Lorax,” sparking passionate debates on conservation and community.
Rain or shine, our students have shown remarkable courage, curiosity, and a zest for learning!
Air & Space Museum
Jan 9 2024
Exploring the wonders of the cosmos with the Academy class at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum was an out-of-this-world experience!
Our upper elementary students dove deep into the mysteries of the universe at the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery. From tales of distant moons to the epic journeys of planetary exploration, this exhibit weaves together the science and history of our solar system. Walking through the gallery brought our learning about the heliocentric universe and the groundbreaking contributions of Nicolaus Copernicus to life!
As a class, we were reminded of the vastness of our universe and the revolutionary work that paved the way for our understanding of it.
Hindu Temple Visit
Nov 29 2023
As part of their world religions unit, OFS elementary students visit many temples, churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship in the DC area.
Today, our 4th and 5th grade Academy class enjoyed a tour of a local Hindu Temple in Potomac, Maryland, and delved into the rich traditions and practices of Hinduism.
The highlight of the visit was a special meditation session that ended with each student receiving a beautiful set of meditation beads. Mala beads, rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism, have been around for thousands of years and are meant to help focus the mind during meditation. Our guide generously demonstrated the art of using these beads for a prayer meant to bring light and joy.
Learning about different cultures and religions is an important facet of the Oneness-Family School curriculum, and we feel grateful for the multitude of places of worship in the DC area that welcome our school!
#WorldReligionsUnit #CulturalLearning #PeacefulCoexistence
Terrapin Adventures Ropes Course
Oct 2 2023
Last week, the Academy class embarked on an exciting field trip to Terrapin Adventures in Howard County! Amidst the lush foliage, students had a blast navigating a challenging ropes course and engaging in various team-building activities. With lots of laughter (and sometimes intense focus), our 4th and 5th graders conquered obstacles together, building physical and social skills as well as strong bonds with classmates.
Hiking at Great Falls
Sep 28 2023
With Luis, the school’s dedicated hike leader, Academy students went on a journey through the Potomac wilderness, tracing the trail to Great Falls. Along the way, they explored the fascinating world of mushrooms, discovering how scientists believe these fungi can communicate and share resources through an intricate web of connections. 🍄
The class also learned about the the history of the mining that once thrived in the area, and ate a well-earned lunch by the beach.
What a fantastic fall day, learning in the great outdoors!
Did You Know?
In Lower Elementary Montessori classrooms, children work in mixed-age groups and explore big ideas through concrete, hands-on materials, nurturing their growing sense of reasoning, collaboration, and moral development.
Key Program Components
Academic Curriculum
Students in our Academy class (Grades 4 & 5) study and contemplate the origins of the universe, early human history and beliefs, and basic scientific principles governing life on Earth. In math, literature, spelling-vocabulary, writing, and foreign languages, students are grouped according to skill level, with no limit to how fast they can progress. History, geography, and science themes are taught on a two-year cycle and include ancient civilizations, matter and molecules, electromagnetism, the characteristics of sound and light, and human body systems. Wherever possible, students are encouraged to pursue a topic of personal interest as it relates to the overall curriculum theme.
Building Organizational Skills
Upper Elementary students continue to develop internal organizational skills by making weekly work plans in consultation with teachers that include lessons they need to attend, independent assignments, and special projects chosen for personal academic interest.
Individualized learning, allowing students to immerse themselves in their area of interest, facilitates mastery of essential academic skills
Regular Assessment
In language arts and math, elementary students work in groups according to ability level, regardless of age or grade, and are assessed regularly for both academic progress and social-emotional development. Each student keeps a portfolio of the year’s best work and takes part in regular self-assessments and peer assessments. All are encouraged to express their unique personalities through art, music, and movement.
Assessment
The high quality of learning in the Upper Elementary program is founded on the depth of understanding the teachers have about the holistic development of each student.
Academically, students are grouped according to ability level in language and math, regardless of age or grade. Each student is assessed regularly by demonstrating knowledge directly to teachers; the teachers’ ongoing observation and documentation of progress; and regular quizzes and tests.
Personal Assessment
There are three Progress Reports and three Parent-Teacher Conferences each year, which review both academic progress and social-emotional development. Each student keeps a portfolio of the year’s best work. They engage in self-assessments and peer assessments of academic progress and personal growth. Overall, student assessment focuses on reinforcing central tenets of Oneness-Family School: to value learning; to become an ethical person, and to recognize that every person has unique strengths. At our school, the goal is for everyone to be successful and to be able to demonstrate that success.
Standardized Testing
Our fourth, and fifth graders consistently score at the 90th percentile and above in the Stanford 10 Achievement Test administered annually. The Stanford 10 is a comprehensive, standardized achievement test used across the U.S. and in American schools abroad.
Montessori was founded on the principle of observations and in addition to tracking academic skills, the teachers record social, emotional, and physical abilities to better serve the student’s needs and support their development.
Tracking is done on each individual student’s progress by grade and subject following the school’s annual subject goals and a scope and sequence developed by Dr. Montessori. Tracking is based on conversation, presentation, observation, self-assessments, and student portfolios, and progress is shared in detailed reports.
Self-Discovery & Social-Emotional Learning
Elementary school years span a major period of social development, one tended carefully by teachers and staff to foster each student’s sense of belonging in the classroom, school, and wider communities of city, nation, and the world.
Students’ social-emotional skills are strengthened and their perspectives enhanced during nature studies, museum and outdoor trips, and academic and arts presentations, which also help them develop self-confidence and an appreciation for the lives and talents of others.
Field Trips
Field trips enhance current classroom studies and familiarize students with public centers of knowledge and their roles in the civic life of society. Camping trips and outdoor adventure programs deepen bonds of trust among students and teachers and cultivate experiences of personal growth for everyone.
Science Fair
First grade marks the beginning of each student’s full participation in the annual Science Fair where students up through Middle School choose and conduct an age-appropriate experiment and present the findings to student and adult audiences.
Arts Electives
Music, art, and drama connect to study topics, and students prepare artistic works to present on United Nations Day and at the Festival of Lights.
Community Meeting
All elementary students participate in the Friday all-school community meeting and the special birthday ceremony for all ages that occurs each month at the meeting.
Global Citizens
Knowledge, understanding, and action are foundations of global citizenship and our life as an international peace academy.
Students look after the life of the classroom and learn to act on their care for the school, their community, and the world. Daily “jobs” include caring for class pets and keeping the classroom materials clean and organized. Students participate in community service projects to help victims of natural disasters, support local homeless shelters, and raise funds to build wells in the drought-stricken Azawak region of Niger, among other projects.
Cultural Study Curriculum
Fall marks the beginning of the country study project in preparation for United Nations Day. Each student chooses a different country and conducts research into its people, history, geography, food, flora and fauna, and gifts and challenges as a whole. These research projects are presented as posterboard displays on United Nations Day, and students demonstrate their knowledge by answering questions from parents, staff, and embassy guests.
These years of study build a basic understanding of different societies’ contributions to the world and instill a sense of connection between the students and the places they study, highlighted by the diverse international representation within the OFS student body.
United Nations & World Religions Studies
Fourth and fifth-grade students learn about the United Nations and world religions as part of their two year curriculum. They visit embassies and diverse places of worship in conjunction with these studies. These areas of the Elementary curriculum build the global awareness that is one of the school’s key objectives.
Student Government
Governance is an important dimension of citizenship represented by the OFS Student Government. All 4th and 5th-grade students qualify to join the Student Government and help shape the participatory life of the school, suggesting ways to create a stronger community through celebrations and acting on shared concerns.
Athletics & Fitness
Our fitness and athletic program is centered around the goals of wellness, physical conditioning, and sportsmanship.
Activity offerings include weekly yoga, basic team sports, and creative movement.
At the Elementary level, sports are introduced with a special emphasis on developing strength, flexibility, and coordination. Students learn the basic skills of kickball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and other sports, and use the social-emotional skills learned in the Self-Discovery aspect of the school’s curriculum to practice good sportsmanship in victory and defeat. They develop mind-body awareness and personal well-being through yoga and movement classes.
After-school sports programs have included soccer, gymnastics, and basketball, offered in mixed-gender groups according to age level.
Quote: Julia Wynn
The global perspective that grounded everything I learned at Oneness was so important in instilling cultural and inclusive understandings in me that I still embrace today.
The global perspective that grounded everything I learned at Oneness was so important in instilling cultural and inclusive understandings in me that I still embrace today. I also remember how valuable the application of practical skills was. Oneness was exactly what my twin sister and I needed when we needed it—although we were only there for a few years, those formative years are the best time to imbue Montessori values.
Currently I’m a state lobbyist in Columbus, Ohio working to help clients navigate the state legislature and executive government. I’m also in the midst of planning my wedding for this September and hopefully an accompanying honeymoon to Thailand shortly thereafter!
Meet Your Teachers
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Andrea Dillon
Upper Elementary Teacher (Grades 4-5)
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Biography
Andrea Dillon is pleased to join Oneness Family School after many years as an Upper Elementary teacher in Boston, where she taught Math and Geometry, Language Arts, Cultural Studies, and a class on farming. Andrea holds a Master of Fine Arts from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University and a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Studies from Plymouth State University. In 2017, she began her Montessori Elementary II training through METTC. She utilizes strategies from Collaborative Problem Solving in her practice.
Andrea enjoys too many hobbies to keep track of or participate in at once, such as ice skating, oil painting, kayaking, hiking, woodworking, baseball, reading non-fiction, going to the beach, and especially dancing. But these days, her main creative outlet has been gardening. For five years, she had a Victory Garden in Fenway, where she spent her summers gardening alongside the roar of the Red Sox games. She has been learning about the flora here this year and is looking forward to writing this chapter and supporting students as they make their way in the world.
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Emiko Morgenstern
Upper Elementary Teacher (Grades 4-5)
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Biography
After four years in Chicago, where she taught at the Near North Montessori School and the Guidepost Montessori School, Emiko is excited to return to her hometown of Bethesda, Maryland, and join the Oneness-Family School team. She has a degree in Political Science from Tulane University in New Orleans and is currently completing her Master’s in Teaching at American University.
In Emiko’s free time, she can be found on the tennis court, running on the Crescent Trail, or enjoying a hot yoga class. She also loves to read, meditate, and attempt the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle. Emiko looks forward to sharing her passion for movement and mindfulness with the Academy class.
Take The Next Step
If you’re interested in learning more, we can arrange for you to visit the school and take a tour
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Academy
On the sunny upper floor, one can visit the Academy class, designed for ages 9 – 12. Inspired by the Montessori tradition, the teachers give students ample opportunities to explore, gain knowledge, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of their learning.