Upper School

During their time in Fifth Grade at Far Hills Country Day School, Your Child Will...

• Refine Research Skills: In fifth grade, students refine their research skills by writing short pieces that answer essential, thought-provoking questions such as, "What was ancient Egypt’s most significant accomplishment?"
• Experience Both Latin and Spanish Languages: From there, they have the power of choice: they’ll select which language they will study in Grades 6–8.
• Learn a Whale of a Tale: But really! Grade 5 takes a cross-curricular deep dive into their Whale Project. Students research a particular type of whale, then they create a slide deck presentation and visual arts piece for the final presentation to their peers, teachers, and families. 
• Gain Confidence: Grade 5 students take to the high elements of the famous Far Hills Country Day School Ropes Course!  A beloved part of our curriculum, your child will gain confidence and learn what it means to be a team player, all while having fun and making memories to last a lifetime! 
• Learn Important Life Skills: Building on the strong foundation established in the Lower School study of the Five Pillars, Grade 5 students explore the mission skills of time management, teamwork, and curiosity. This allows students to connect the Five Pillars with the mission skills and identify how they already use them. Along with their advisors, Grade 5 students define areas for growth with each of these mission skills and set appropriate goals for each trimester.

During their time in Sixth Grade at Far Hills Country Day School, Your Child Will...

• Prepare for Success: To help Grade 6 students succeed in today’s world, they are provided daily opportunities to express their understanding and thinking in writing as well as during in-class discussions.
• Be Given Choices: As students are given more choices in assignments during classes, they are expected to tap into their curiosity and connect with others who have similar passions and interests. These vital skills help them to grow as students and community members.
• Gain Independence in Implementing Strategies: Feeling confident in their ability to work on a team, manage long-term assignments, and follow personal passions by the end of Grade 6 allows students to enter the final two years of middle school poised for success.
• Embrace Adventure: Far Hills Country Day School's sixth graders go away for an overnight adventure trip to Frost Valley YMCA in New York. The trip includes team building, critical thinking, and life skill activities. It is an incredible learning experience, as well as a tremendous bonding experience. 

During their time in Seventh Grade at Far Hills Country Day School, Your Child Will...

• Gain Resilience: Through our advising program, students explore how navigating middle school requires creativity and resilience. Identifying areas for growth with their advisor helps students set goals for each trimester.
• Prepare to be a Leader: An introduction to ethics and the development of leadership skills takes place during weekly Wellness classes. These lessons and reflections allow students to assume leadership roles the following year in Grade 8.
• Own the Writing Process: Anchor texts explored in English class will launch writing projects, both analytical and creative. Students take ownership of the writing process at this level, engaging in peer editing and revising with each draft. The important skills of developing a thesis statement, utilizing research skills to access primary and secondary sources, annotating, and properly citing information will also come into play as they prepare a History research paper on a chosen topic. 
• Continue the Adventurous Spirit: Far Hills Country Day School's seventh graders embrace adventure. They take to the high elements of the Ropes Course and go away for an overnight Adventure Trip. These experiences reinforce confidence, resilience, teamwork, and problem solving skills. 

During their time in Eighth Grade at Far Hills Country Day School, Your Child Will...

• Focus on a Capstone Project: The Grade 8 Expo is a big deal at Far Hills Country Day School. Students develop an independent research study on a self-selected topic. Independent learning skills are emphasized through various activities and assessments, culminating with the final exposition for the entire school community to see.
• Be a Leader in the School: As Grade 8 students assume the student leadership roles of our community, they are given real-world opportunities to apply both the mission skills and Far Hills pillars. The student government officers exercise their leadership and time management skills as they plan school-wide activities during the school year. Editors of the yearbook tap into their creativity and responsibility to create a keepsake for the community. Team captains, service learning coordinators, and leads in the school play are just some of the many ways Grade 8 students practice the skills they have developed at Far Hills.
• Perform Shakespeare — In the Round: A beloved Far Hills Country Day School tradition, eighth grade students perform a Shakespearean play as it was mean to be performed: in the round. The students not only study the play during English class, but they memorize lines and perform for the entire school community. What a way to showcase the public speaking skills they've been honing since Preschool at Far Hills! 
• Prepare to Take on Their Next Adventure: Far Hills Country Day School's Grade 8 students are some of the best and brightest out there. We are proud to watch them go on to incredible secondary schools and boarding schools. Our Secondary School Guidance and Placement is unmatched.