Grades Four - Eight

The Upper School program is based on the classical paradigm - a balance of the arts, humanities, sciences, and athletics. The goal is that every graduate be able to read closely, write cogently, think critically, and create with originality and conviction. To this end, students are systematically engaged on three levels: the recitative, the dialogic, and the generative. Saint David's boys are expected to master essential content in every subject area, to critically question each day's subject matter through dialogue with teachers and classmates, and to create new meanings as they apply what they are learning.

Curriculum

In English, students explore the very best of both modern children's literature and classic novels. Our coordinated expository writing program builds skills from year to year and trains students in the full writing process. Boys write often, and they learn to write well. In mathematics, the program balances an emphasis on mastery of traditional computation skills with an insistence that students demonstrate understanding through problem solving and applications to real world problems. In science, boys constantly experiment, observe, and interpret. The study of history is central to each year's course of study, providing a strong foundation in cultural literacy and essential insights into the human past. Boys begin their study of French or Spanish in Grade Six and may add Latin as an elective in Grade Seven. The use of computers for instruction, research, and communication is integrated with the teaching of all subjects. Content, fundamental skills, essential habits of mind and character, and most of all, a love of learning are consistently emphasized.

 

Art and Music

The Arts--theatrical, visual, and musical, are a key part of each boy's daily experience at Saint David's. Homeroom classes mount annual dramatic productions presented to peers and parents. Boys study pottery, drawing, painting, and woodworking, and the Eighth Grade Humanities Class conducts a detailed exploration of classical, Renaissance, and modern art. Music echoes through the halls as students learn new instruments in Fourth and Fifth Grade music classes, rehearse for the Recorder Consort, Ensemble, and Chamber Singers, and perform at school Masses, the Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols, the annual celebration of Mozart's birthday and spring recitals.

 

Athletics

The athletic program is designed both to challenge the gifted athlete and to encourage those of more modest ability to develop their talents to the full. Instruction is offered in soccer, basketball, track, wrestling, fitness, lacrosse, softball, and baseball. In addition to an extensive intramural program, fifth and sixth graders participate in games against neighboring schools while seventh and eighth graders are introduced to varsity competition as part of the Manhattan Private Middle School League. While a healthy competitive spirit is important, it is secondary to the mastery of skills, teamwork, and the development of a sense of sportsmanship. Respect for others, dedication, and self-confidence are emphasized.

 

Student Projects

The academic program offers students a continuing series of special opportunities to explore, present, and perform. At each grade level and across disciplines, the boys conduct Internet research, use innovative software, and visit the great museums, cultural centers, and neighborhoods of New York City and its environs. They work individually and in small groups to create new works, such as a personal catalogue of modern art, or solve open-ended problems, such as how to “grow” a city while staying within budget. The boys present their work to an audience, receiving sustained practice in public speaking. Among the highlights of each year are Switch Concerts (for strings, recorder, bells, and voice); a Gilbert and Sullivan production; Arts Week and the Spring Art Show; Native American dioramas and Power Point presentations; the performance of two Classical Greek plays; the Math Bowl and Math Rally; the Seventh Grade trip to Cape Cod to examine salt marsh and marine life; and the Italian Study Tour. In addition, each class, led by its student council representatives, undertakes community service projects. Helping fellow citizens – of the city or the world – enables the boys to live the school’s values and the humanistic ideals they are studying.

Saint David's seeks to offer each boy a balance of arts and sciences, a balance of athletics and academics, a balance of learning essential knowledge and moral decision making. The goal of a Saint David's education is to make each boy confident of his abilities and empowered to serve others. Our goal, ultimately, is to help each boy begin to become a "good man."