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Fifth Grade

Language Arts
The fifth grade language arts program is designed to give students practical skills in written and oral communication, grammar, usage, and spelling. The program as a whole provides a unique, cognitively based writing program that isolates and teaches the skills that are needed for later stages of writing mastery, and a strong and orderly program for teaching oral language skills, including impromptu speaking before an audience and giving instructions.

Reading
The fifth grade reading program is designed to extend and deepen the reading comprehension and decoding skills, literary appreciation, vocabulary, dictionary skills, and creative writing ability of students. The program as a whole provides a strong developmental emphasis on reading comprehension, according to a clear hierarchy of comprehension skills, and a unique approach to teaching vocabulary that emphasizes strategies for making sense of and mastering unfamiliar words.

Math
The fifth grade math program provides experiences designed to develop a deeper understanding of math concepts and the ability to apply these concepts to everyday problems. Students utilize the four operational functions within the study of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Other units include geometry, problem solving, and introductory algebra.

Social Studies
The fifth grade social studies program is based on a progressive and sequential study of American history, from the migration of the first people to North America through the Revolutionary War and beyond. Learning occurs through lectures, discussions, note taking, research reports, projects, and presentations. A fifth grade highlight is a week long trip to the Williamsburg, Virginia area.

Fifth Grade - Williamsburg, VA
A highlight of the fifth grade year is the annual spring trip to the historic area of Williamsburg, Virginia. Students are well prepared for the journey through the study of United States history in fifth grade social studies classes. Encompassing one full week, the excursion is led by a skilled professional guide, and includes comprehensive sightseeing throughout the restored area of Williamsburg, as well as in Jamestown and Yorktown. There are hands on activities at many sites. In addition to the major landmarks, some fascinating, lesser-known points of interest are also visited each year. Another significant benefit of the experience is that students learn how to be a responsible member of a group.