Intermediate

It is important for students’ knowledge of core subject areas to be propelled during these pivotal years, paving the way for middle and high school. Our strong focus on reading and writing continues, allowing students to explore a variety of literature and express their own ideas. Students are also challenged to reach new levels in math and science. STEM is an integral part of our curriculum, as it enhances critical thinking skills required for success. Students develop problem-solving skills through collaboration and hands-on learning.

There is a strong emphasis on art and music programs at Highlands. We believe it is important that every student develops an appreciation for the arts and is able to express themselves creatively. From art history to music, students are inspired by famous artists and develop confidence as they explore the arts for themselves. There are many opportunities for students to perform each year.

Students will select a world language on which to focus for the rest of their years at Highlands. This Global Learning emphasis is part of our 21st Century Learning initiative. In a highly connected global society, those with foreign language skills have enhanced opportunities. Students can select French, Spanish, or Chinese based on previous study or cultural interest.

Relationships are a key component of the success of our students. Having students two years in a row allows the opportunity to build strong relationships between teachers and students. The relationship between a student and teacher begins in the fourth-grade year and continues to develop the following year in fifth grade. Teachers learn about their students, their personalities, their strengths, and areas for growth as the year begins. In turn, the students learn about their teachers, their expectations, and routines in each classroom. 

When the fifth-grade year begins, the relationship between students and teachers is already in place. This allows the teacher to know where the child is in their learning journey at the very beginning of the year. Thus, allowing the teacher to accelerate the learning and development during this second year of looping because there isn’t a “get to know you” period. They can “hit the ground running” at the beginning of the year.

Open and regular communication with parents is an important part of the Highlands experience. During the fourth grade year, because both students’ and parents’ experience quite a bit of change, the relationships between teachers and parents is very important to the success of the student. These two years together are an opportunity for teachers and parents to work together as a team to support the children. This is a relationship built on trust and communication. Often there are some “growing pains” during the fourth-grade year because a departmentalized classroom varies so greatly from a self-contained classroom, but through the year, the relationship grows between teacher and family. Parents feel more comfortable the second year checking in and/or asking questions about assignments for their child.

Because students are with the same teachers for a second year, they already know the class expectations and routines. Much of the beginning of the year is spent on students learning daily routines. But since they have already spent a year with the teachers, only a minimal review is needed at the beginning of the second year. The returning students know the routines and norms for the classroom in fifth grade, which helps new students quickly pick-up on the rules of the classroom and integrate.