4th & 5th Grades
Students focus on expanding their knowledge in history, art, and science and their skills in writing, vocabulary, and math facts.
History
History is taught to all grade levels chronologically in four volumes (years): Ancient Times, Middle Ages, Early Modern Times, and The Modern Age. During class time, students learn about a significant event, place, or important person from the focus time period for the schoolyear. They complete an engaging activity, hear a beautiful picture book read to them, draw on maps, or listen to a chapter from The Story of the World.
Science
Students alternate a science lesson and a science lab each week, focusing on a concept, theory, or scientist, giving them time to dive deep into experiments and discovery and exercise the learning that took place during the previous weekâs science lesson.
Creative Arts
This block brings the art of the historical time period to life. In alternating weeks, students explore the visual culture of the time as they learn about significant works of art, artists, techniques, and meaningful objects connected to the time period. Then they apply that learning during hands-on studio time. By creating projects rooted in the historical era, students gain a richer understanding of how people of the past expressed beauty, belief, and aspects of daily life.
Presentations & Literature Lounge
On alternating weeks, students participate in either brief presentations or Literature Lounge, a relaxed book-sharing time. During Lit Lounge, students share books theyâve enjoyed, ranging from family read-alouds to independent reads, and encourage classmates to explore new titles. On presentation weeks, students give short talks on a variety of engaging topics.
Writing Composition
Students strengthen their writing skills and confidence through a guided workshop model. They learn about and practice multiple genres of writing, developing essential skills of strong word choice, added detail, and revision. In the second semester, students are guided step by step through the process of researching a topic, developing active reading and annotating skills, and writing a formal research paper, building confidence and foundational academic composition skills. The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) provides the guiding text for this subject block.
Language Roots
Students explore Greek and Latin language roots through interactive and engaging activities. Each week, we introduce new roots and their meanings, discuss their connections to modern English words, and practice using them in context. Students participate in fun games, such as root word matching or word-building challenges, to reinforce their understanding and retention. These hands-on activities not only enhance their vocabulary and improve spelling but also deepen their appreciation for the linguistic foundations of the English language.
Scholar Showcase
The end-of-year showcase project guides students through the process of researching a topic of personal interest, developing critical thinking and communication skills, and expressing their findings through writing and presentation. This project gives students the opportunity to practice new or refined skills and to share what they have learned. The Scholar Showcase is not a separate class; rather, it is the culminating project of the year that integrates the different subject blocks.
PE & Interactive Math Games
Student alternate PE and math games weekly. They play math games to improve math fact retention and recall. On the alternate weeks, through structured games, skill-building activities, and fitness challenges, the students develop coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship.