π Dougherty Academy β Sixth Grade Syllabus
Core Academics
- Reading & Writing:
Novel analysis, literary essays, creative storytelling, research writing, persuasive composition, and advanced grammar. - Math:
Ratios, proportions, integers, pre-algebra foundations, geometry, and real-world problem-solving. - Science:
Earth science, space systems, energy transfer, and hands-on STEM projects. - Social Studies:
Ancient civilizations, geography, early world history, and civic principles.
Language & Character Development
- Spanish:
Conversational fluency, reading short passages, cultural studies, and translation practice. - ASL (American Sign Language):
Signing fluency, storytelling, interpretation skills, and expressive communication. - Religion:
Biblical study, virtue reflection, and personal faith journaling. - Character Education:
Self-discipline, leadership, empathy, integrity, and moral decision-making.
Arts & Music
- Art:
Realism, perspective drawing, art history, and creative expression through various media. - Music:
Ensemble work, rhythm and harmony, vocal and instrumental blending, and performance preparation. - Ballet:
Advanced posture, choreography, and expressive movement. - Music Theory:
Scales, key signatures, composition, and rhythmic dictation. - Piano / Violin / Viola:
Ensemble coordination, sight reading, and intermediate performance pieces.
Physical & Practical Life Skills
- Physical Education:
Strength, endurance, teamwork, and sportsmanship. - Golf:
Strategy, control, competition readiness, and etiquette. - Gardening / Homesteading:
Environmental science, sustainability, and crop care. - Cooking:
Nutrition, meal planning, baking, and culinary creativity. - Technology:
Word processing, presentations, digital design, coding, and safe online research.
below is a printable
π Dougherty Academy β Sixth Grade 36-Week School Plan
Quarter 1 (Weeks 1β9): Foundation & Focus
- Reading & Writing: Literary elements, grammar review, creative short stories, and novel study.
- Math: Ratios, proportions, integers, and geometry review.
- Science: Earth systems, ecosystems, and the scientific method.
- Social Studies: Ancient civilizations β Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece.
- Art: Perspective, shading, and cultural art forms.
- Music & Ballet: Rhythm, timing, and posture.
- Music Theory / Piano / Violin / Viola: Scales, sight reading, and ensemble collaboration.
- Spanish & ASL: Daily conversation, numbers, greetings, and simple storytelling.
- Religion & Character Ed: Integrity, gratitude, and reflection journaling.
- P.E. & Golf: Coordination, flexibility, and form drills.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Composting and sustainable soil projects.
- Cooking: Kitchen safety, nutrition, and simple recipes.
- Technology: Digital organization, typing, and internet safety.
Quarter 2 (Weeks 10β18): Building Mastery
- Reading & Writing: Essays, poetry, and research writing.
- Math: Fractions, decimals, percentages, and order of operations.
- Science: Weather, energy transfer, and simple physics.
- Social Studies: Early Asian and African civilizations.
- Art: Watercolor and design composition.
- Music & Ballet: Choreography, tone blending, and recital prep.
- Music Theory: Intervals, key signatures, and notation.
- Spanish & ASL: Vocabulary expansion and conversation practice.
- Religion: Parables and personal faith projects.
- Character Ed: Teamwork and goal setting.
- P.E. & Golf: Endurance and group sports.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Seasonal planting and garden journaling.
- Cooking: Baking and cultural cuisine.
- Technology: Presentation and coding basics.
Quarter 3 (Weeks 19β27): Exploration & Expression
- Reading & Writing: Novel analysis, persuasive writing, and research projects.
- Math: Algebraic reasoning and coordinate geometry.
- Science: Astronomy, space systems, and experiments.
- Social Studies: Rome, Middle Ages, and global trade routes.
- Art: Sculpture and mixed-media projects.
- Music & Ballet: Creative choreography and ensemble performance.
- Music Theory / Piano / Violin / Viola: Harmony, rhythm dictation, and duet practice.
- Spanish & ASL: Storytelling and expressive fluency.
- Religion & Character Ed: Service, stewardship, and kindness in action.
- P.E. & Golf: Team challenges and coordination games.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Plant journaling and compost care.
- Cooking: Meal planning and ingredient measurement.
- Technology: Multimedia presentations and digital creativity.
Quarter 4 (Weeks 28β36): Mastery & Leadership
- Reading & Writing: Speeches, reflective essays, and presentation projects.
- Math: Pre-algebra review and real-life applications.
- Science: STEM engineering projects and review experiments.
- Social Studies: Renaissance, exploration, and modern world connections.
- Art & Music: Portfolio creation and year-end performance.
- Ballet & Music Theory: Final recital preparation and notation review.
- Piano / Violin / Viola: Recital rehearsal and duet performance.
- Spanish & ASL: Conversational review and final performance skits.
- Religion & Character Ed: Reflection, leadership, and gratitude.
- P.E. & Golf: Final tournaments and sportsmanship celebration.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Harvest, sustainability, and eco-projects.
- Cooking: End-of-year family-style meal.
- Technology: Final digital portfolio presentation.
End-of-Year Reflection
By Week 36, sixth graders demonstrate readiness for middle school β confident communicators, creative thinkers, and compassionate leaders. The Dougherty Academy curriculum continues to nurture academic excellence, artistic expression, and moral integrity.
Below for a printable
ποΈ Dougherty Academy Sixth Grade Portfolio
A Showcase of Growth, Wisdom, and Readiness
The Sixth Grade Portfolio at Dougherty Academy marks a studentβs transition from foundational learning to academic and personal independence. It highlights creativity, analytical thinking, and leadership β showing readiness for middle school through a blend of academics, faith, and artistry.
π Academic Mastery
Students demonstrate strong comprehension, reasoning, and communication skills. Include:
- Reading & Writing: Literary essays, creative stories, research projects, and poetry.
- Math: Pre-algebra work, geometry, problem-solving, and data projects.
- Science: Experiment journals, STEM project reports, and space system diagrams.
- Social Studies: Ancient civilizations, maps, timelines, and cultural research.
π¨ The Arts & Expression
Art and performance continue to nurture confidence and imagination. Add:
- Art: Drawings, mixed media, and design projects inspired by world cultures.
- Music Theory: Written exercises, rhythm studies, and composition projects.
- Piano / Violin / Viola: Practice logs, recital programs, or certificates.
- Ballet: Reflections on technique, choreography notes, or photos from performances.
πΏ Practical & Life Skills
Sixth graders deepen their understanding of self-sufficiency and creativity. Include:
- Gardening / Homesteading: Plant care journals, eco-project photos, or sustainability reflections.
- Cooking: Recipes, nutrition reflections, or meal plans.
- Technology: Research reports, slide decks, or coding samples.
- Religion & Character Education: Faith reflections, virtue studies, and service logs.
π¬ Languages & Communication
Encouraging bilingual and expressive communication:
- Spanish: Vocabulary sheets, dialogues, and cultural projects.
- ASL: Signing practice videos, storytelling notes, or expressive signing projects.
π Physical & Character Growth
- P.E. & Golf: Fitness tracking, tournament photos, and skill reflections.
- Character Education: Leadership goals, teamwork examples, and journal pages.
π End-of-Year Reflection
Conclude the portfolio with:
- βWhat I Learned About Leadership and Faithβ reflection
- βHow I Grew in Sixth Gradeβ personal letter
- Photos, awards, and certificates
π A Year of Purpose and Independence
This Sixth Grade Portfolio honors a studentβs journey toward independence β showcasing intellect, creativity, and moral character. Each piece represents a step toward confident leadership in middle school and beyond.
Printable below

