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Fifth Grade
In the fifth grade, class work is a combination of short term assignments such as daily book work, and long term assignments such as major thematic projects, book reports, and science projects. Time management skills and study skills are emphasized through out in an effort to increase student achievement, self discipline, and responsibility.
Reading
Students read and study fiction with an eye to plot, character, setting, and theme. Much of the reading program is coordinated with the social studies program to give the student a more interesting and informed look at the literature and the people about whom the books are written. For example, while studying American history, the students will be reading historical fiction which parallels units in social studies. Book reports encourages students to read widely, including additional books of biography, history, mystery, non-fiction, and children's classics. Silent and oral reading builds reading confidence. Student magazines and newspapers enhance vocabulary and awareness of current events.
Language Arts
Instruction includes parts of speech, sentence structure and punctuation. Weekly spelling tests include words encountered in literature, class subject, and a general spelling list. Vocabulary is enhanced through weekly activities involving new word usage, classroom games,
and review. The culminating activity of the fifth grade language arts program is a major project on one of the United States. The project especially involves research skills, letter writing, and report writing.
Social Studies
Fifth grade social studies begins with a review of map skills and geography, then continues with a survey of American history from the colonial period through the present day. Students refine their research and writing skills as they prepare reports on famous Native Americans, African Americans, and women.
 Science
Students will learn about a variety of topics, with emphasis on the scientific method and laboratory safety. Topics covered will include the following: plants, animals, astronomy, electricity, chemistry, and physics. Laboratory skills will include making collections, using chemicals and glassware safely, and performing experiments to increase understanding of concepts taught in class. A study of ecology, animal classification and adaptation, and the daily care of several small classroom pets enhances the student's appreciation of the complexity of nature. Students will participate in the annual Science Fair.
Mathematics
The math program in the fifth through the eighth grades is individualized so that each student is able to perform to his or her potential. A placement test is given at the beginning of each school year, and the students are started at an appropriate place in the sequence. Each child works at his or her own pace at the level that he/she is capable of maintaining. As assignment sheet is kept to monitor the progress of each student. Grades are based on a daily grade as well as test grades. Students are expected to progress at a pace which is challenging while still attaining mastery of each concept before a new one is presented. New concepts of factors and prime numbers, multiples of numerals, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, basic geometry, and standard/metric measurements are taught. Learning is facilitated by the use of manipulatives to assist students in grasping the idea and process.
 Enrichments
Students in the fifth grade have specialized instruction in Art, Band/Vocal Music, Spanish, Computer Lab, Drama, Religion, and Physical Education. They attend Chapel twice a week and visit the library.
Two classroom computers provide the opportunity for the students to work independently in all areas of course work. Students develop skills in several aspects of technology while enhancing the regular classroom curriculum.
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