Enrichment and youth leadership development are a cornerstone of our upper school, which comprises 28-30 students in grades 5 and 6. Meaningful enrichment and leadership opportunities for students within and beyond the school are embedded in the learning experiences and structure of the upper school. From a student’s point of view, moving into the Upper School means an exciting wider world and a genuine chance to help run Conservatory Lab.
The youth development program encompasses academics, citizenship and character building including persistence and collaboration. Continued participation in the El Sistema music program as part of the orchestras and chorus will give ample opportunity for the students in these grades to show leadership in this area as well.
Creating an upper school recognizes that students in grade 5 and 6 are ready to take on greater challenges and leadership, and developmentally, in fact, need to do so in order to remain engaged in school. Consistent with Conservatory Lab’s inclusive philosophy, we believe all students benefit from this approach.