Upper School
Grade 5 to Grade 8
Expanding Horizons with Purpose and Possibility
At Nantucket New School, the Upper School (Grades 5–8) is a dynamic educational journey marked by increased independence, deeper inquiry, and authentic connection to the broader world. Guided by our Approach to Learning, we continue to nurture each student as an individual while fostering close student-teacher relationships, active family involvement, and a deep connection to the island community. These years are filled with the space to wonder—to ask meaningful questions, reflect deeply, and think critically—and the space to wander—to explore new ideas, environments, and perspectives beyond the classroom walls.
Empowering Inquiry and Growth
From fifth to eighth grade, students transition from foundational learning to more sophisticated, inquiry-driven exploration. Our program emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and student agency. Through project-based learning, reflective practices, and authentic assessments, students build problem-solving skills, digital literacy, and a growth mindset. Cross-curricular connections emerge naturally as students engage in interdisciplinary projects that blur the boundaries between subjects and encourage big-picture thinking.
Exploring STEM and Beyond
Signature programs like STEM-X and marine science bring science and engineering to life, allowing students to investigate real-world challenges through hands-on experimentation and field study. Whether examining Nantucket’s marine ecosystems, debating renewable energy solutions, or creating prototypes in response to community needs, our students actively engage in the kind of learning that prepares them for academic rigor and social-emotional growth.
Building Community and Character
Beyond the classroom, Upper School students participate in leadership through elected student government and Morning Meetings. Community service becomes a regular and meaningful commitment, culminating in an individual eighth-grade service project. Annual traditions such as the fall camping trip strengthen community bonds while building resilience, cooperation, and respect for the natural world. In visual arts, music, and outdoor education, students take on increasingly challenging work—composing original pieces, exhibiting their artwork, and testing their limits on our high-ropes course and climbing wall.
By the end of eighth grade, our students are confident, curious, and well-prepared for high school and beyond. They leave us not only with strong academic skills but also with a joyful sense of purpose and a lifelong appreciation for learning, community, and the world around them.
