Upper Elementary

Where confidence grows, curiosity thrives, and independence takes shape

5th-6th Grade

Tampa Day School’s Middle Division program for students grades 5-6 is designed for students in a pivotal stage of growth. These transitional years bring rapid academic, social and emotional development, and our program is intentionally built to support the whole child. We challenge students with rising academic rigor while providing the structure, guidance and encouragement they need to succeed.

Many students entering fifth or sixth grade may feel defeated from past academic struggles, or frustration related to ADHD or anxiety. Our teachers understand this developmental stage and its impact on learning. We focus on rebuilding confidence, providing tools and strategies that strengthen self-esteem and help students experience success so they are ready to take on new challenges with pride.

Our goal is to help every child feel safe while trying new things and to discover the joy of learning in a caring and supportive school environment.

Explore Middle Division at TDS

Academic Growth
Social Development
Built In Enrichment
Leadership & Community

Academic Growth with Purpose and Support

Middle Division students are held to higher levels of accountability as they build stronger study habits, organizational skills and independence. Academic rigor continues to rise as students learn new strategies, become more familiar with learning processes and take on greater responsibility for their work.

We challenge students without overwhelming them. Teachers meet students where they are, guide them forward with clear expectations, and teach study skills that help students grow in confidence and independence.

Student Benefit From:

  • A rigorous, grade-level curriculum across all core subjects
  • Explicit instruction in a process that promotes mastery
  • Increasing responsibility for academic achievement
  • Study skills instruction focused on organization, time management and executive functioning
  • English Language Arts courses, where they are introduced to multiple genres, analyze, discuss, and form opinions about what they read, and are encouraged to develop as young authors
  • Face-to-face engagement, discussion, debate and cooperative learning, while integrating appropriate technology.
  • Both individual and collaborative long-term projects, completed at school to build independence, planning, and perseverance
  • Experiential learning, where they collaborate in groups, discover their individual strengths, learn to take other’s perspectives, and develop strong communication skills.
  • Homework lab built into the school day

Learning That Is Rigorous, Engaging and Meaningful

We believe learning should be challenging, engaging and joyful. We integrate rigor with fun and use students’ natural curiosity to foster inquiry, creativity and deeper thinking.

Students:

Learn through hands-on, experiential learning, applying learning to life.

Participate in offsite learning experiences and environmental exploration

Solve real world problems through inquiry based projects

Build critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills

Engage in supplementary learning to reinforce skills as needed

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If you are searching for a private upper elementary school in Tampa where students are challenged academically, encouraged to think independently and supported as they grow in confidence, we invite you to learn more about our Middle Division program (Grades 5 and 6) and discover how meaningful learning experiences help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
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Social Development and Character Building

Middle school is a time when students become more aware of social pressures and expectations. We provide a safe and supportive environment where students learn how to navigate the preteen social world with confidence and integrity.

Our program focuses on

  • Building strong communication skills
  • Navigating peer conflict and resolution with guidance
  • Developing self advocacy
  • Strengthening collaboration and teamwork
  • Supporting emotional growth during a time of rapid change

We take a proactive approach to social development and address challenges as they arise. Through the Win It Social Program students learn positive online citizenship and engage in age-appropriate discussions about real-world issues in a positive and thoughtful way.

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-TDS PARENT

Built In Enrichment and Extracurricular Activities

Middle Division students participate in a daily enrichment period that offers a wide range of experiences and skill building opportunities.

Built in enrichment includes:

  • STEM classes
  • Visual Arts
  • Performing Arts
  • Physical education
  • Technology

After school clubs and activities may include:

  • Cooking
  • Sculpture
  • 3D printing
  • Chess
  • Fencing
  • Music
  • Competitive Sports in Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, Flag Football, and Track and Field

Middle Division students participate in a daily enrichment period that offers a wide range of experiences and skill building opportunities.

Leadership and Community Involvement

Students have meaningful opportunities to grow as leaders and contribute to the school community through:

A Strong Bridge to Upper School

As a private school in Tampa, our Middle Division program (Grades 5 and 6) helps students build the academic and social foundations they carry into seventh and eighth grade and beyond. Through strong relationships, rising expectations and built-in homework support, students grow into confident, capable learners who are ready to succeed. We invite you to take the next step and learn how our Upper Division program prepares students for long-term success both in and beyond the classroom.
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