Academics by Grade
Fresh out of fourth grade, students arrive at the doorstep of fifth grade where they will be met with an academically challenging program whose mission is to prepare them to confidently and successfully cross the threshold from the elementary grades into the hallways of the Middle School.
Religion — The fifth grade religion program is built upon three foundations: the word of God as expressed through scripture, worship, prayer, and the call to service. We study how we have come to know God through Divine Revelation, the mystery of the Holy Trinity, and living our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We also emphasize the liturgical seasons, the sacraments, and learning how to live the Beatitudes and the Commandments. Daily prayer and service are an integral part of our curriculum. Students in 5th grade participate in a year long service project making sandwiches here on the St. Anne School campus each Tuesday afternoon. The sandwiches are delivered to the local Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen for Wednesday’s lunch.
Language Arts — The fifth grade language arts program at St .Anne School draws upon a variety of strategies to comprehend, interpret, analyze and evaluate what is read. Many different materials are used including trade books, a basal reader, and Scholastic News. The goal is to produce life-long readers. We focus on using the English language correctly through the study of grammar and writing composition. Spelling is taught by recognizing common spelling patterns, and by spelling words with prefixes and suffixes. Correct spelling is encouraged throughout all areas of the curriculum.
Math — We are currently using the Saxon math program which focuses on student success. Incremental development of math concepts and continual review are the hallmarks of the Saxon math program. Units of instruction in the basic math strands of number operations, decimals, fractions, geometry, and probability are distributed and integrated across the year. This provides time for all students to master the different math concepts because they are practicing what they have learned with every lesson through the daily facts practice, mental math exercises, problem solving, new lesson concepts, and written practice.
Science — The science program includes units of study in life science, earth science, and physical science. Students are encouraged to explore science concepts through directed and guided inquiries. Reading skills are integrated with each chapter to help students get the most out of reading the lessons to build a firm foundation of science knowledge.
Social Studies — In fifth grade, the main focus of the curriculum is United States history. Concepts in geography, economics, and culture are integrated with the study of the United States from the pre Civil War years through World War II and the post war years.