As the students of sixth grade begin to experience further transformation within their bodies from the softness of childhood into the firm, skeletal definition of their bones, they study the development of civilization from ancient to modern history mirrors these bodily changes. The student is moving from poetic consciousness to a search for truth in the form of scientific concepts. The thinking, intellectual stage of development is starting to come to the forefront, and now the student is ready for more concrete facts and information obtained through observation and the gathering of information. It is in this grade that the students study the decline of the golden age of Greece, and the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. The Roman epoch historically mirrors what is going on in the body of children at this age – the manner in which the Romans dominated their physical world by way of building cities, roads, aqueducts, and their conquest of the Western world – match the feeling the students have at this age, the “can do” attitude that they have the power to accomplish anything they wish. Their historical studies then take them through the Dark and Middle Ages and into the rebirth of the Renaissance.

As the students experience the hardening of their bones from within, they begin to study the structure within the earth and learn about the geological ages – minerals, metals, gems and crystals – all which lead to the functions of minerals and metals within the human body. The students experience a reflection of their own biological process and are eager to embrace and explore physical existence.

The basic concepts of physics are introduced by relating it through the daily artistic activities the students have been immersed in since Kindergarten. The theory of acoustics may be introduced through observing and experimenting with the various ways music is made – an experiment in harmonies can be performed by subdividing the strings of a musical instrument. It is then through such experiments the students are led back to the human body and discover that they also have a musical instrument within – the larynx.

Mathematics continues to build upon what had been learned previously, and moves onto the study of percentages and ratio – the relationship between things. Geometry begins as a real study of shapes by using the precision tools of compass, ruler and right angles. The forms are treated with visual artistry as in the earlier grades, but now the families of these geometric shapes are drawn and studied for the numerical laws they embody and are done with the utmost accuracy.

More complexity comes into sixth grade painting with the added techniques of shadowing and color contrasts within the artwork. In handwork, the students create a doll made after their own image. Skills are further developed with tools in wood carving, or possibly metal work, creating objects that serve the human or animal world.

English continues with more emphasis on reading, writing and grammar. Foreign languages continue with reading simple texts and free translation.

Music brings more complexity to the student as well – singing focuses on two and three-part harmonies and orchestral pieces are played in the strings class. This experience broadens the sense of unity and harmony within the student, where different parts are brought together to create a whole.