The fourth and fifth grade years provide a smooth transition to the fully departmentalized programs of Grades 6-8. A classroom setting provides a home base, with students learning the responsibilities of "traveling" to such classes as social studies, science, and foreign language, and managing an increasing workload. After a survey year of French, Spanish and Chinese in fourth grade, students choose a language to study beginning in fifth grade, giving them the advantage of four years of a forieng language when they enter high school. Students also "loop" through their fourth and fifth grade years, meaning that they remain with the same classmates and teacher for both years. This provides additional support and continuity before they move on to the sixth, seventh and eighth grades, where they prepare for high school with the full support of the Middle School faculty.
Students build their organizational and study skills, learn how to take notes and study for tests, develop the research skills necessary to prepare written and oral reports, and participate in annual plays and musical performances.
Field trips and special courses of study are conducted on an every other year basis during the fourth and fifth grade years. For example, over the two years students will study American colonialism and visit the Grosse Pointe Historical Society, learn about Michigan, make a day-trip to Lansing as part of their study on government, and travel to Washington, D.C. and Mackinac Island.
The fourth and fifth years create a solid bridge to the Middle School. Fourth and fifth graders participate in weekly chapel assemblies with the older students, take part in after school intramurals or, on a limited basis, interscholastic sports, and attend academic and athletic award assemblies. As participants in the daily life of the Middle School, fourth and fifth graders see what leadership opportunities are available to them and learn to set goals for themselves for the years to come.
To request an appointment or for further information, please fill out our Online Admissions Inquiry form or contact our Admissions Director, Molly McDermott at (313) 886-1221 ext. 146 or mmcdermott@gpacademy.org.
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