Incoming 6th Grade students can expect a smooth transition into 6th grade and having a schedule with up to a dozen teachers. Our 5th grade teachers do a fantastic job of preparing their students for Upper School and how to navigate being a student in many different classrooms.

Woodside School's 6th grade students take part in project-based learning that is naturally differentiated.  In addition, the collaboration between Middle School teachers allows for the integration of Design Thinking and Social-Emotional Learning.  

6th grade students are placed into ability-groupings for mathematics. Small class sizes and the grouping of students who are similar in their mathematical development allow for differentiation.  All math groupings are made based upon several assessments, including SmarterBalanced testing, MARS assessments, MDTP results, and grades.  Students who achieve beyond or below their ability-group will be moved when appropriate.  For more information, please visit the Upper School Math Pathways page.   

Students in 6th grade take two electives each trimester, and each incoming student ranks his or her favorite electives.  Each student will be placed into as many of his or her highest-ranked electives; however, with class size limits and scheduling conflicts, it is impossible to accommodate every request.  For more information on electives, please review the Middle School Electives page.

In addition, all Upper School students follow a modified block schedule.  Students have eight 43-minute periods on Mondays and Tuesdays, seven 43-minute periods on the early release Wednesdays, and four 86-minute double periods on Thursdays and Fridays.  These longer periods allow for important instruction, such as Science labs, projects, etc.    

6th grade students can expect to take the following classes:
  • English-Language Arts
  • Ability-Grouped Accelerated Mathematics (6th and First Half of 7th Grade Mathematics)
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Mandarin or Spanish
  • Physical Education
  • Music
  • Art 
In addition to the required courses, all 6th grade students will be able to participate in both before school and 8th period electives which include:
  • Jazz Band
  • Band Elective
  • Art Appreciation
  • Yearbook
  • Documentary Film
  • zSpace
  • Body Science
  • Plant Nutrition and Wellness
  • Game Design
  • Toy Design
  • Lego Robotics
  • Coding I
  • Coding II
  • Community Service
  • Peer Leaders
  • Newspaper
  • Short Stories
  • Study Skills