6th Grade
A Confident Step Into Middle School
By sixth grade, students are standing at the gateway of adolescence. New conceptual capacities are awakening, and both the curriculum and the needs of each child become more complex as they move into middle school.
At Camellia Waldorf School, 6th Grade is a firm, intentional step into the outer world. Through geology, astronomy, physics, Roman and Medieval history, business math, and meaningful field trips, students learn to think more logically, observe more precisely, and understand cause and effect in a deeper way.
“Sixth grade was a turning point. Our child became more thoughtful, more aware of the world, and more confident in tackling real academic challenges.”
Why Families Love 6th Grade at Camellia
Sixth graders are ready for more structure, more challenge, and more responsibility—and the program meets that readiness in a balanced, human way.
What makes 6th Grade at Camellia stand out:
-
In-Depth Block Learning
Each morning begins with a focused two-hour main lesson block in a single subject—math, science, language arts, history, or geography—lasting 3–4 weeks, so students can really live into each topic. -
Balanced with Recess & Nature
Academic rigor is balanced with recess and time outdoors, so students can move their growing bodies and reset their attention. -
Age-Appropriate Homework
Homework supports growing responsibility but is still age appropriate, leaving room for family time and rest. -
Long-Term Teacher Relationships
Class teachers are often with the same group for several years, allowing deep connection and in-depth learning.
✅ Schedule a Personal Tour
Come see the magic in person. Walk the campus. Meet the teachers. Ask all your questions.
👉 Schedule Your Visit Today »
📖 Request a Free Info Packet
Discover how our program can support your child’s early years with purpose and joy.
👉 Get My Info Packet »
A Bit About 6th Grade: Meeting the Changes of Adolescence
In a Waldorf 6th Grade, students are nearing age 12, and changes in their physical bodies are dramatic. Hormones begin to affect their emotional life and physical maturity; differences between male and female development often become a topic of interest.
The curriculum is intentionally designed to mirror and support these inner changes:
-
Geology & Mineralogy – Volcanoes and Inner Intensity
Students study geology and mineralogy, including volcanoes and earthquakes—outer expressions of the “explosive” feelings many preteens experience. A class field trip to Mt. Lassen lets them experience an active volcanic landscape and push themselves physically on a 10,000-foot hike. -
Astronomy – Order in the Heavens
As students become more aware of gravity and the weight of their bodies, they also study astronomy—observing the night sky and learning about the relationship of the sun, moon, and earth. This brings a sense of order and perspective to a time of inner change. -
Rome & the Middle Ages – Law, Order, and Justice
Sixth graders are often interested in rules, fairness, and structure. The study of Ancient Rome, Islam, the Crusades, Medieval times, and ancient China gives them stories of law, conquest, justice, and chivalry to grapple with intellectually and morally. -
By this year, students are ready to grasp cause and effect in a new way, and the themes of the curriculum are carefully chosen to meet both the inner and outer child at this critical stage.
6th Grade Learning Objectives
Main Lesson Skills
-
Strengthening academic organization and multitasking
-
Developing note-taking and presentation skills
-
Deepening artistic expression that supports learning across subjects
Language Arts
-
Structured note taking
-
Paragraph and essay structure
-
Descriptive and narrative writing
-
Report writing across subjects
-
Continued work with parts of speech, dictation, drama, poetry, and sentence structure (subject, predicate, objects, phrases, and possessive/objective nouns)
Literature & History
-
Ancient Rome and the development of laws
-
The Crusades and Islam
-
Medieval history, including stories of knights and chivalry
-
Ancient China and cultural stories
-
Classroom traditions like the Squire’s Challenge and Knighting Ceremony that bring history to life
Mathematics
-
Business math: decimals, exchange, interest, percentages, proportion, profit and loss
-
Problem solving and computation
-
Introduction to equations and basic economics concepts
Geometry
-
Compass-and-straightedge constructions based on six- and twelve-fold divisions of the circle
-
The eight basic constructions of the circle
-
Geometric string designs that develop precision, patience, and visual thinking
World Geography
-
Mapmaking skills
-
Study of wind and water currents, land formations, climates, vegetation, and major bodies of water around the globe
Physics
-
Acoustics (sound)
-
Optics (light and color)
-
Heat
-
Magnetism and static electricity
-
Simple labs and demonstrations that show cause and effect in clear, observable ways
Geology & Mineralogy
-
Minerals, precious stones, metals, and crystals of the earth
-
Their individual properties and uses
-
Earthquakes and volcanoes, including how and why they occur
Astronomy
-
Moon cycles and night-sky observation
-
Movement of planets and stars
-
The relationship between sun, moon, and earth
-
Lunar and solar eclipses
-
The Pole Star and its relative position in the sky
World Language – Spanish
-
Growing conversation skills
-
Grammar and vocabulary building
-
Use of proverbs and expressions, deepening cultural and linguistic understanding
Art
-
Nature sketching
-
Veil painting techniques and landscapes
-
Illustrations of science concepts and labs
-
Work with charcoal and pastels to bring depth, light, and shadow into drawings
Handwork
-
Hand sewing and pattern making, supporting focus, fine motor skills, and the satisfaction of completing usable projects
Music
-
Senior Choir
-
Ensemble – strings or another instrument (such as ukulele, recorder, or guitar, depending on the year)
-
Performance at annual concerts, building skill and confidence on stage
Woodworking
-
Transforming a block of wood into a wooden spoon
-
Using saws, rasps, and gouges safely and skillfully
-
Learning patience, precision, and respect for tools and materials
Physical Education
-
Movement classes with cooperative and medieval games
-
Activities designed to let students test themselves physically in a healthy, age-appropriate way
Cyber Civics
-
Digital citizenship coursework
-
Activities that call on critical thinking, ethical discussion, decision making, problem solving, and role-play
-
Focus on the norms of appropriate and responsible behavior with technology use
Sports
-
Competitive basketball, soccer, flag football, and volleyball, offering structured outlets for energy, teamwork, and school spirit
FESTIVALS
Life in the Wider School Community -
1st Grade students are part of Camellia’s vibrant festival life and community traditions, giving them a sense of belonging and connection beyond their own classroom. Families are invited into seasonal celebrations and school events that mark the turning of the year.
👉 You can learn more about our seasonal festivals on our Festivals page.
More about the 6th Grade
