5th Grade

5th grade is a transformative year as our students begin take on additional responsibilities and prepare themselves for the challenges of middle school. Students are encouraged to become self-directed learners who, with their teachers are their guides, have ownership of their assignments, projects, and school planning.

Focus is placed on time management as students balance schoolwork and activities, efficient note-taking to analyze increased information, and executive-functioning skills.

5th Grade Curriculum

ELA

Students continue to build crucial reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. They read more challenging literature and continue to expand their vocabulary. Students will also be expected to understand and clearly summarize what they have learned from readings and classroom discussions, citing specific evidence and details from the text.

Math

Students will build on understanding of place value by working with decimals up to the hundredths place. Students will also add, subtract, and multiply fractions. They will continue to expand their geometry and measurement skills, learning the concept of volume and measuring the volume of a solid figure.

Science

5th grade science uses the Next Generations Science Standards, with focus on four main standards:

Structure and Properties of Matter
Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems
Earth’s Systems
Space Systems: Stars and the Solar System

FOSS science kits are used to teach science skills and place a strong emphasis on the environment and respect for the earth throughout all curriculum. Outdoor field trips reinforce these concepts, including the signature 5th grade experience; a three-day Environmental Camp Retreat at the Nature Bridge in Olympic National Park.

Social Studies

The focus in social studies is the development of the United States up to 1791. Civics, economics, and geography are studied to understand the ideals, principles, and systems that shaped our country’s founding. Students apply and relate this information to current issues today. As students build their understanding of social studies concepts, they are encouraged to examine their role in our community, state, nation, and world.

Religion

Religion helps students grow in faith through prayer, study, and service. A strong emphasis is placed on the Sacraments, how we live them in our lives, and how to develop a personal relationship with God. Students learn to navigate through the books of the Bible and learn how to cite Bible passages.