Sixth Grade

πŸ“˜ Dougherty Academy – 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

πŸ—“ Dougherty Academy – Sixth Grade 36-Week School Plan

Quarter 1 (Weeks 1–9): 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 10–18): 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 19–27): 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 28–36): 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

πŸ—‚οΈ Dougherty Academy Sixth Grade Portfolio

A Showcase of Growth, Wisdom, and Readiness

The Sixth Grade Portfolio at Dougherty Academy marks a student’s 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.


πŸ“š 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.

🎨 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.

🌿 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.

πŸ’¬ Languages & Communication

Encouraging bilingual and expressive communication:

  • Spanish: Vocabulary sheets, dialogues, and cultural projects.
  • ASL: Signing practice videos, storytelling notes, or expressive signing projects.

πŸ… Physical & Character Growth

  • P.E. & Golf: Fitness tracking, tournament photos, and skill reflections.
  • Character Education: Leadership goals, teamwork examples, and journal pages.

πŸ’– End-of-Year Reflection

Conclude the portfolio with:

  • β€œWhat I Learned About Leadership and Faith” reflection
  • β€œHow I Grew in Sixth Grade” personal letter
  • Photos, awards, and certificates

🌟 A Year of Purpose and Independence

This Sixth Grade Portfolio honors a student’s 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

6th grade homeschool complete guide