Welcome to Grade 6

As leaders of the Middle School building, sixth graders take on new responsibilities and greater independence. Our curriculum challenges students academically while supporting their social-emotional growth and the development of executive function and study skills. Through hands-on projects, collaborative work, and individual assignments, students deepen their understanding of core subjects including English, math, science, social studies, and Spanish. With guidance from dedicated teachers, they learn to navigate the complexities of adolescence with confidence, curiosity, and resilience.

Grade 6 Highlights

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  • Public Speaking

    This comprehensive experience allows students to hone their skills in critical thinking, research, writing, and public speaking. From selecting a topic of personal interest to delivery, each step of the process is designed to challenge students and foster their growth as effective communicators. Students practice public speaking skills including voice modulation, body language, and audience engagement while learning how to deliver a persuasive argument or informative speech.
  • Community Building Adventure Trip

    Our sixth-grade program includes an outdoor education trip that emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and engaging with the natural environment. Students engage in activities such as hiking, camping, and team-building exercises, fostering a sense of adventure and camaraderie.
  • Assembly Hosts

    As the oldest students in Middle School, sixth graders step confidently into leadership roles — organizing and hosting assemblies, speaking in front of peers, and helping younger students navigate their day. Whether they’re welcoming a guest speaker, announcing community events, or modeling kindness and inclusion in the hallways and on the playground, sixth graders set the tone. These real-world leadership opportunities help build confidence, communication skills, and a strong sense of responsibility.

6th Grade Sample Schedule

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  • 7:30 a.m.

    Early Birds: Before School Programming Available
    Learn More
  • 8:00 a.m.

    Arrival
  • 8:15 a.m.

    Morning Meeting
  • 8:30 a.m.

    Period 1: Social Studies
  • 9:15 a.m.

    Period 2: English
  • 10:00 a.m.

    Recess
  • 10:15 a.m.

    Period 3: Spanish
  • 11:00 a.m.

    Period 4: Science
  • 11:45 a.m.

    Community Time/Clubs/Study Hall
  • 12:20 p.m.

    Lunch & Recess
  • 1:00 p.m.

    Period 5: Math
  • 1:45 p.m.

    Sports
  • 2:45 p.m.

    Homeroom
  • 3:05 p.m.

    MS Arts
  • 4:00 p.m.

    Homeroom/Dismissal
  • 4–5:30 p.m.

    After School Programming Available
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Our Grade 6 Curriculum

English

Sixth graders build confidence as readers, writers, and speakers through close reading, thoughtful discussions, and frequent writing. Students study a mix of classic and contemporary novels, developing analytical thinking and expository writing skills. Vocabulary and grammar are embedded in reading and writing activities. By year’s end, students express themselves with greater clarity, insight, and purpose.

Social Studies

Students explore world-changing eras, from the Age of Exploration through the colonization of the Americas, examining the cultural, scientific, and political forces at play. Projects and simulations bring history to life, while core skills like note-taking, outlining, and essay writing are emphasized. Geography and current events add depth and relevance. Public speaking and debate further reinforce communication skills.

Mathematics

The sixth grade math program blends open-ended reasoning with traditional skills, helping students strengthen number sense and problem-solving strategies. Topics include fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, geometry, and pre-algebra. Activities like the Probability Fair and math games allow students to apply concepts in hands-on ways. A variety of assessments support growth in both computation and critical thinking.

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  • Accelerated Mathematics

    Sixth grade accelerated mathematics is the first course in the accelerated mathematics pathway at Country School. Students move through and apply concepts at a more rapid pace than the traditional level. This course covers topics that include data analysis, basic plane geometry, ratios and proportions, measurement, probability and pre-algebra concepts. Students solidify their skills with fractions, decimals and percentages, and also engage with more complex material involving linear functions, coordinate graphs and slope-intercept. Project-based learning — such as designing and constructing a Styrofoam boat to haul nails, a stock market simulation project, and managing a store in a classroom mall — complements units of study; these experiences allow students individually or cooperatively to apply concepts learned in class.

Science

Sixth grade scientists explore geology, bird biology, and electricity through hands-on, inquiry-based investigations. They strengthen core skills like observation, measurement, and hypothesis testing while connecting science to the world around them. Students design and conduct their own bird behavior experiments and build working circuits during the electricity unit. This active, lab-based approach sparks curiosity and deepens scientific thinking.

World Languages

Sixth grade students continue their Spanish studies by expanding vocabulary and refining grammar through thematic units like geography, time, and hobbies. Lessons build on prior knowledge while introducing new sentence structures and conversation skills. A mix of writing, listening, games, and cultural exploration supports language development. The goal is greater fluency, confidence, and cultural awareness.

Performing Arts

Students participate in Band or Chorus to strengthen music theory, performance skills, and concert etiquette. Multiple performances throughout the year build confidence and stage presence. During the Arts Electives term, students may also join the Middle School Musical, contributing onstage or behind the scenes. These experiences support creative expression and collaboration.

Visual Art

Middle School art encourages students to explore materials and ideas through both two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, painting, and sculpture. Lessons emphasize individual expression while introducing new techniques and processes. Art history and global perspectives are woven into projects to inspire students and broaden their creative lens.

Woodshop

In sixth grade, students continue building woodworking skills through increasingly complex projects. They practice planning, measuring, sawing, and assembling as they construct items like banjos, clocks, and duck decoys. The focus is on craftsmanship, creativity, and safe tool use.

Maker

In the Maker Lab, sixth graders dive into innovation through hands-on challenges in design, coding, and engineering. They explore circuitry, simple programming, and 3D printing while building gadgets and mini-bots. Collaboration and experimentation are key as students bring ideas to life through trial and iteration.

Middle School Art Electives

3D Animation
3D Printing
Architecture
Boat Building
Cartooning
Ceramics
Choral Ensemble
Collage
Digital Photography
Dramatic Arts
Drawing
Garage Band
Graphic Novels
Guitar & Ukulele
Jewelry 
Mixed Media
Muraling
Painting
Printmaking
Scratch Programming
Short Film
Theatre Tech
Woodworking

Physical Education & Athletics

In the Middle School, students transition to a combination of intramural and interscholastic programs. In the fall and spring seasons, students select a sport and play a competitive interscholastic schedule. Each team competes with peer schools from the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA). Playing time is evenly distributed, and the emphasis is on sport-specific skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, team pride and improvement over the course of a season. Usually, there is more than one team in a given sport. In these cases, teams are created to be equal, both by grade level and skill level. Frequently, the separate teams in a given sport will practice together daily, which helps promote a sense of community and strengthens the bonds between students. The winter season is intramural-based and is divided into two equal sessions. Students rank preferences from a variety of offerings and have the opportunity to participate in two sports. This intra-mural season adds to the students’ total athletic experience, while also providing a chance for sport-specific skill development and camaraderie among peers.

Middle School Athletic Offerings

FALL

Cross-Country
Field Hockey
Flag Football
Soccer
Volleyball

WINTER

Basketball
Dance
Fitness
Hockey
Pickleball
Skating
Squash
Volleyball
Yoga

SPRING

Baseball
Cross-Country
Lacrosse
Softball

No Strangers Here. Just Friends You Haven’t Met Yet.

New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.