Upper Elementary

UE Program Overview

Third and fourth grade students attend school at the Midway Campus. Located at the corner of Midway and Alpha Roads, this state-of-the-art facility was designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei and is breathtaking in architecture and design. The Midway Campus creates an environment that provides the perfect backdrop for older students to develop academically and socially.

The Upper Elementary is thoughtfully planned to encourage students to continue becoming enthusiasts of learning. Building upon a solid core curriculum of language arts, reading, mathematics, social studies and science, Parish third and fourth graders are taught to reach for a greater wealth of knowledge. Enrichment classes, such as Spanish, art, music, computer, religion and physical education, are an integral part of fostering students’ individual talents, as well as encouraging creativity and developing thinking and reasoning skills. An emphasis on organization and study habits is also an important part of the Upper Elementary program, as they promote independent, self-directed learning. As a complement to the curriculum, focus is given to developing students’ emerging understanding of the world at large through interaction with their peers as well as through community service.

In preparation for Middle School, the Upper Elementary faculty members encourage student appreciation of individual independence, excellence and responsibility. A major emphasis is in guiding each student to become a confident and self-motivated learner, as well as a positive and respectful participant in the school community.

Highlights of the Upper Elementary Division

• Curriculum and instruction is designed to be developmentally appropriate for Upper Elementary students
• Daily chapel service, along with religious education, specifically focused on the Old and New Testaments
• Continued emphasis on oral and written expression
• Emphasis on organization, study skills, test preparation, and independent learning
• Technology integration into the Upper Elementary program intentionally designed to enhance student knowledge as well as the outcome of assignments
• Community service designed to develop a “Community of Excellence,” both in and out of the classroom, via participation in age-appropriate service projects
• Special opportunities include, but are not limited to: Student government participation (EIA), Geography Bee, Choir, Science Movie Club, After School Strings club, and Math club
• Special theme days built around curriculum studies
• 4th grade trip to Austin, which includes visits to cultural, historic and science-related sites