Upper School (5th Grade–8th Grade)

In Hausner Upper School (formerly Middle School), we embrace our students’ passions, desire for exploration, and burgeoning independence through learning experiences that resonate with them and expand their minds. Hands-on projects and in-depth studies activate our students’ natural inclination for inquiry.

We provide the space for students to explore their identities, opinions, and interests, and focus on the processes of academic and personal growth. We help our students navigate the social, emotional, and intellectual changes they are experiencing and encourage them to consider other perspectives.

Students develop analytical skills and the ability to engage in rhetoric debate, allowing them to approach all of their subjects with a critical eye and the ability to think deeply and abstractly. Our advisory curriculum provides close academic and emotional support for each student, helping them develop healthy habits that are critical for future success.

What Makes Hausner Special

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Testimonials

In upper school there are many long-term projects, which means that students immerse themselves in a problem, research it and learn what it is like to understand something in depth. This is a great skill to have, since learning is very different from test taking. My kids, previously public school students, have benefited more from becoming immersed in Egyptian medicine or how to build a drone than mindlessly studying a list of facts for the STAR tests.
-Lulu B., parent

Curriculum Highlights

5th Grade

This time of transition from elementary school students into upper school students brings a desire for more independence.

At Hausner, we support our students by providing clear goals and boundaries and an environment where it feels safe to make mistakes and grow.

In 5th Grade, our students compose narrative and informational essays, focusing on one small moment and expanding it with dialogue and inner thoughts to take the reader on an unexpected journey. They explore the Earth and our planets, the United States before and after Columbus, the Age of Exploration, and the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. In math, students begin delving into algebra, decimals, and probability.

Special highlights include:

Walden West Science Camp

During a week-long environmental science camp in Saratoga, students breathe the cleanest, freshest air while exploring the mighty redwood forests; learn about matter, ecosystems, food webs, and astronomy; and gain an understanding of the toll of the human footprint.

Adolescence Education

In learning what it means to be a young adult, students discuss how to develop a positive body image, examine gender norms and their intrinsic inequality, learn to embrace the differences of others, and gain tools for conflict resolution.

Green Screen History Projects

With technology and creativity, students create a news report to recreate a moment in history.

Book Clubs

In groups that change throughout the year, students read and discuss both fiction and fantasy books, homing in on their important themes.

6th Grade

In 6th Grade, students enhance their understanding of history by studying the people and events that shaped major ancient civilizations. They analyze fiction and non-fiction literature, art, and film.

In addition to crafting five paragraph essays anchored by thesis statements, students explore informal journaling, research reports, and creative writing.

In math, students embark on one of two paths. Path A students enroll in Intro to Pre-Algebra, which introduces them to statistics, exponents, solving equations, inequalities, and graphing. Path B students enroll in Pre-Algebra.

Special highlights include:

Hammurabi Mock Trial

While applying Hammurabi’s Code to legal scenarios of the time, students take on legal roles and synthesize their knowledge of Babylonian and Mesopotamian history.

Creek Clean Up and Water Monitoring Project

Students clean up our local creek to contribute our efforts to protecting the bay. Then, we analyze water samples, checking water quality and observing microscopic life.

Camping in Pinnacles National Park

During this science field trip, our students build perseverance, resilience, and teamwork.

7th Grade

While studying civilizations in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, our students explore why societies develop, rise, and fall.

They consider why literature is such a powerful way to communicate, shape perspectives, influence thinking, and increase empathy.

In math, Path A students enroll in Pre-Algebra, and Path B students enroll in Algebra 1.

Special highlights include:

Avodah L’Olam Philanthropy Project

An intensive year-long program, students explore ethical questions, social action, and leadership. A guided process leads students to discovering the values that are important to them and to finding an organization that resonates with those values. Students present their chosen organization’s merits to their classmates through presentations and persuasive essays, and work collaboratively to allocate funds for the selected organizations. This program corresponds with taking on many of the obligations of a Jewish adult, including tzedakah, righteous giving of oneself to others, and bettering the kehillah, community.

Catalina Island

During our four-day field trip to Catalina Island, our students experience aquatic sciences and even go snorkeling at night!

Julius Caesar Mock Trial

The fate of Brutus and his co-conspirators rests in our students hands – and the tenets of the Roman legal system. In this integrated humanities project, students practice their public speaking skills through opening and closing arguments, witness testimony, and cross examinations.

8th Grade

Our 8th Grade students engage in a variety of sophisticated written assignments, including literature responses, persuasive essays, resumes, a whole-class collaborative novel, and an extended research essay.

While studying the complex reality of American history, our students consider the ways in which the country’s historical past has contributed both positively and negatively to its current state.

In math, Path A students enroll in Algebra 1, and Path B students enroll in Geometry Honors.

Special highlights include:

Israel Study Tour

Before our students travel to Israel, they engage in an educational journey to Israel’s most significant eras – from the Roman era to the Ottoman Empire, and from the Second Aliyah to the British Mandate, and from Israel’s Independence and the challenging early years as a state to becoming a powerhouse of economics, industry, electronics, and technology. These lessons culminate in the Israel Study Tour, when students immerse themselves in Israel – visiting the very sites they studied.

Service Learning

Weekly service learning activities foster students’ community responsibility and connection.

Students take on leadership roles, organizing programs, such as walk-a-thons and food drives, to serve the community.

Rube Goldberg Machines

The culmination of the STEM physics unit, Rube Goldberg Machines enable our students to demonstrate their knowledge of Newton's Laws of Motion, simple machines, and potential and kinetic energy. Students design and create in collaborative groups.

Highlights From the Israel Trip

6th–8th Programs

STEM Fair

STEM Fair projects guide our students to answer questions scientifically through inquiry-based learning, and teach them project management, collaboration, public speaking, design, and presentation.

Many of our students choose to take their work further and attend the county science fair. Last year, of the 25 students who participated, 12 earned awards. One 8th Grader participated in the national Broadcom Masters and placed in the top 300.

Math Competitions

Elective Programs

Our robust electives include Coding, History of World Wars, Film Analysis, Student Newspaper, Israeli Cooking, Music, Art, Yoga, Creative Writing, Yearbook, Photography, and science deep dives.

We encourage students to try something new, and to create and lead their own elective in partnership with a teacher-mentor.

Student Council/Moetzet Talmidim

Advisory Programming

Through our advisory program, each student is given a dedicated outlet to express their concerns and receive critical guidance. Run by teachers at each grade level, the curriculum is both proactive and reactive to students’ needs. As our students grow and mature, the advisory supports them in becoming advocates for themselves and others. During student-led conferences, our students reflect on their progress with their advisor and share their goals and reflections with their families.

Facing History and Ourselves

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