Ready for Anywhere.
Seven years of being known produces a child who knows themselves. That’s what a student in middle school needs.
We’re elevating 6th grade for the world your child will be living in.
Our sixth graders are growing up in a world very different from the one just a few years ago, and it is changing rapidly. We’re developing new programming that builds the skills AI can’t replace: creative problem solving, collaboration, grit, and the kind of critical thinking that helps a student navigate situations that haven’t been seen before.
This is still taking shape, and that’s part of what makes a small school special. When we decide to build something new, we can actually build it.
“The sixth-grade year is such an important growth year. In 6th grade they work hard but can also slow down and enjoy being the oldest on campus and mature, rather than becoming the youngest in a much bigger school before they are psychologically ready.”— Del Mar Pines Parent
A year that’s genuinely theirs and academically serious.
Reading, writing, thinking
- Deep literary analysis of award-winning novels
- Strong, structured writing well beyond grade-level expectations
- In-depth study of Ancient China, Greece, and Egypt with creative projects
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, read and referenced all year
- A mock trial
Science and math they can touch
- Building a playable mini golf course and escape rooms in math
- Pig heart dissection
- Extracting DNA in a real lab setting
- Science fair
Finding their voice
- Public speaking and presentations across every subject
- Two talent shows and the graduation showcase
- Collaborative, cross-curricular group projects
- Spanish cultural presentation
- Leading roles and speaking parts in the annual Spring Sing
Character and community
- Project Alert, a leading substance-abuse prevention program, taught by our school psychologist
- 6th Grade Camp, ecological principles and a student’s place in the world
- The DMP Buddies program, mentoring incoming students through their first year
- Learning ukulele
They’ve been mentored. Now they become the mentor.
By the time students reach 6th grade, they’ve been the “little kid” and they’ve been mentored. Now they step into the other role: through the Buddies program, through leading roles in school performances, and through the everyday example they set for younger students.
It’s leadership practice most students don’t get until much later.
Many events in 6th grade today still carry on the traditions from our founding years.
Some of these include:
- ✓Greek Day
- ✓6th Grade Camp
- ✓Knott’s Berry Farm or Disneyland
- ✓Kindergarten Buddy program
- ✓Haunted house design and build
- ✓Graduation Talent Showcase
- ✓Custom letterman jackets
- ✓Water for South Sudan fundraising
- ✓CPR training
- ✓Leading monthly flag salutes
- ✓Leading roles for Spring Sing
- ✓Learning ukulele
Leaving isn’t the loss. It’s the proof.
“They effortlessly transitioned into middle school and high school with excellent study habits, strong character and solid understanding of who they are.”— Del Mar Pines Parent
“My daughter graduated from DMP two years ago and is currently attending another top private school in the area. She was incredibly well prepared for middle school both academically and socially. She has been in all the honors/accelerated classes.”— Del Mar Pines Parent
Thinking about the years ahead?
Every grade here is preparation and 6th grade is the proof.
Inquire Now →