Renbrook School in West Hartford has announced a realignment of its grade divisions.

Submitted by Barbara Doyle, Renbrook School

After 15 months of careful research, Renbrook School is pleased to announce a divisional realignment and a reimagined fifth and sixth-grade experience for its students beginning in the fall of 2021.

The Leadership Team and Board of Trustees have decided to move the fifth grade to the Upper School, creating a “division within a division” that is at once a bridge and a destination of its own. This intentionally designed program and curriculum within the Upper School will better serve students during these pivotal years.

Head of School Matt Sigrist shares, “During the ages of 10, 11, and 12 years, children grow in maturity, executive functioning, and in their social-emotional and cognitive capabilities. As they develop in their desire and capacity for independence, we believe they are ripe for increased challenge with appropriate support. As they transition from a lower school homeroom experience to a decentralized upper school model, we believe a hybrid approach to balanced support and independence serves our students best.”

The program will nurture and challenge students with a modified “advisory family” and subject-specific teachers who will provide appropriate exercises in organization and executive functioning. As a part of the Upper School, fifth and sixth graders will take advantage of opportunities to capture their passion and celebrate their developing identity. A modified team sport experience including both intramural and interscholastic opportunities, visual and performing arts, musical theater, and student-driven clubs are just a few of the ways that students will develop agency, confidence, and independence.

Students in grades 5 and 6 will benefit from a newly designed Humanities program; a World Language program including trimesters of Spanish, French, and Latin; targeted technology training in productive use and digital citizenship; and grade specific science including sustainability and earth science. Mr. Sigrist emphasizes, “This program is intentionally designed with the social-emotional and learning needs of this unique age group and will prepare children for the independence of the fast-paced experience of grades 7 and 8.”

For more information, visit renbrook.org.

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