Upper Elementary School
Where young learners grow with confidence and creativity. (Grades 3–5)
Our Upper Elementary program spans Grades 3–5, pivotal years for developing strong academic skills, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. During this stage, students become confident, curious learners while still benefiting from close guidance, enriching specials, and cherished school traditions.
- A Rich Curriculum: Core academics are complemented by specials in Art, Music, Athletics, and Technology. Students explore creativity and innovation in our new Maker Space Lab, equipped with 3D printing, green screens, and other cutting-edge tools.
- Inquiry in Action: Using our Palmas Inquiry Unit Planner, students are guided to ask meaningful questions, think critically, and make connections to the real world.
- Growing Dolphins: The Dolphin Learner Profile shapes daily learning, encouraging collaboration, resilience, creativity, and global citizenship.
- Special Traditions:Our school year is filled with hallmark events, including the Book Fair, Puerto Rico Day, Field Day, and the Easter Hat Parade, all fostering community and joyful learning.
- Small, Supportive Community: With close teacher-student relationships, every child is known, challenged, and supported to grow with purpose and confidence.
Program Spotlight
Learning by Doing
We explore new ideas through fun projects, group work, and real-life problem-solving that make learning exciting and meaningful.
Growing Together
We build confidence, friendships, and strong habits by supporting each other in a safe, caring, and respectful space.
Being Creative
We express ourselves through drawing, music, stories, and cool experiments—there's always something fun to discover!
A Day in the Life of a Dolphin
You start the morning by greeting your friends and teachers in homeroom before heading off to your core classes. Maybe today you’re drafting a personal narrative in English, then diving into Math, where the Big Idea is “Shapes are everywhere, and learning geometry helps us make sense of them.” After a snack and quick recess, it’s time for language — either Spanish or SSL (Spanish as a Second Language).
By lunchtime, you’re ready for a break. You pick up your meal from the cafeteria, share silly jokes with friends at your table, and then run out to play on the playground.
The afternoon brings specials — art, PE, music, and special visits to the Maker Space Lab. Then it’s off to Science and Social Studies, where your class is producing a video!
When the bell rings, the fun isn’t over. As the school day winds down, students often join extracurriculars – from sports and clubs to creative activities that let them shine beyond the classroom.
Life as a TPA Dolphin is really fun and busy for an elementary school kid!
