Program
Upper School 4-6
Message from the Upper School Head
Welcome to the JTD Upper School, where we are passionate about dynamic learning and intentional community building.
All around campus, from homerooms to the athletic fields, from the art studio to our science labs, our students make deep connections with the ideas and concepts they are learning, forming lifelong friendships along the way. To ensure genuine opportunities for success, social-emotional learning is the foundation of our academic program. Learning about ourselves and each other allows us to live the 5C’s: Caring, Common Sense, Consideration, Cooperation, and Courtesy. Together we learn and practice these core values as well as give voice to questions about who we are, our similarities and differences, and how we can serve our communities.
With community as our foundation, the dedicated and talented Upper School faculty and staff create an environment for learning that is both rigorous and spirited. As continuous learners themselves, our faculty and staff are focused on creating a robust educational experience for our students and making developmentally sound decisions for our learners. At each grade level, developmentally appropriate tools are used to differentiate instruction and engage our students. A workshop approach to literacy with a variety of teaching resources means that all students develop the skills to read and write with authenticity and purpose. Our mathematics curriculum develops fluency and conceptual understanding across all mathematical domains. In addition to the foundational skills of literacy and numeracy, we offer experiential and inquiry-based learning experiences in our social studies and science classrooms. Our Upper School students have opportunities to explore new interests in the technology and design lab, in the Library, or by participating in a club. All JTD Upper School students also have the opportunity to participate in athletics and our visual and performing arts programs, which let students of all skill levels grow and succeed.
By Grade 6, our students lead our Student Council, have a Lower School buddy, and foster connections among multiple grades during Spirit Week, Mix-It-Up lunches, and other JTD traditions. At JTD, all Upper School students explore, play, and work hard as they develop an understanding of who they are as learners and community members.
All around campus, from homerooms to the athletic fields, from the art studio to our science labs, our students make deep connections with the ideas and concepts they are learning, forming lifelong friendships along the way. To ensure genuine opportunities for success, social-emotional learning is the foundation of our academic program. Learning about ourselves and each other allows us to live the 5C’s: Caring, Common Sense, Consideration, Cooperation, and Courtesy. Together we learn and practice these core values as well as give voice to questions about who we are, our similarities and differences, and how we can serve our communities.
With community as our foundation, the dedicated and talented Upper School faculty and staff create an environment for learning that is both rigorous and spirited. As continuous learners themselves, our faculty and staff are focused on creating a robust educational experience for our students and making developmentally sound decisions for our learners. At each grade level, developmentally appropriate tools are used to differentiate instruction and engage our students. A workshop approach to literacy with a variety of teaching resources means that all students develop the skills to read and write with authenticity and purpose. Our mathematics curriculum develops fluency and conceptual understanding across all mathematical domains. In addition to the foundational skills of literacy and numeracy, we offer experiential and inquiry-based learning experiences in our social studies and science classrooms. Our Upper School students have opportunities to explore new interests in the technology and design lab, in the Library, or by participating in a club. All JTD Upper School students also have the opportunity to participate in athletics and our visual and performing arts programs, which let students of all skill levels grow and succeed.
By Grade 6, our students lead our Student Council, have a Lower School buddy, and foster connections among multiple grades during Spirit Week, Mix-It-Up lunches, and other JTD traditions. At JTD, all Upper School students explore, play, and work hard as they develop an understanding of who they are as learners and community members.
Warm Regards,
Anna Himmelrich
Upper School Head
Upper School Head
Want to learn about our Upper School?
In Grade 4 we encourage independence — making for a seamless transition to the Upper School.
"To ensure genuine opportunities for success, social-emotional learning is the foundation of our academic program. Learning about ourselves and each other allows us to live the 5 C’s: Caring, Common Sense, Compassion, Cooperation, and Courtesy."
- Anna Himmelrich, Upper School Head
The John Thomas Dye School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
Located In Los Angeles, CA, John Thomas Dye is an independent school for grades K-6. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
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