The 5th Grade curriculum is very engaging and filled with many learning opportunities. In the content area of English the students study the different parts of speech. Then they have the chance to be involved in different forms of writing including a personal narrative, poetry, description essay, research papers, and a fictional story. In the reading curriculum several comprehension skills are taught through the use of short stories and novels. In the religion curriculum the students study the Apostles’ Creed, the Holy Spirit, creation, angels, the life of Jesus and the Holy Family, parables, psalms, and the miracles of Jesus. We also learn about the seven sacraments. In science the focus is on plant life, animals, rocks and minerals, and weather. In the area of math the main focus is on computation. The skills covered in the 5th grade include number theory, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, and graphing. There are many opportunities for children to actively be a part of their learning!

Religion

In 6th grade, we use our religion textbooks for the first three quarters which cover themes such as creation, the life of Jesus, saints, and Christian morality. Students frequently discuss how we can apply the lessons learned from our textbook into their daily lives to follow in Jesus' footsteps.

During the fourth quarter, we use the Family Life program which focuses on respect for self and others, the development of babies, genetics, and elderly people.

Students volunteer to lead morning prayer on a daily basis.

Language Arts

Reading - Our textbook focuses on predicting outcomes, making inferences, foreshadowing, sequencing, author's viewpoints, cause and effect, and comparing and contrasting. The themes of our textbook include courage, growing up, discovering ancient cultures, dreamers, and new frontiers. We also read novels such as Hatchet and Walk Two Moons.

Writing - The students are introduced to the Writer's Workshop model, where students learn a new skill, brainstorm ideas, create a rough draft, peer or self edit, revise, and publish their masterpieces. Students also journal throughout the year on creative and realistic topics.

Grammar and Spelling - Students have daily oral language sentences and a spelling test each week. Our practice book also focuses in on grammar skills and common spelling rules.

Social Studies

The 5th/6th grade history curriculum consists of two parts. Students will review basic map and geography skills before studying Minnesota history. Our focus is on territorial days and the early years of statehood. Students learn about the voyageurs, the Dakota War, immigration, and industrialization. The 2nd half of the year, students study ancient civilizations. Highlights include Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, and China.

Math -6th 7th 8th grade

All three grades cover a specific core:
*place value *whole numbers *decimals *fractions *geometry *measurement *graphing *probability *problem solving *algebra *estimation

As the student is promoted to the next grade, the level of detail, depth and expectations for each area increases.

Hands on activities, online projects, group and individual problem solving are emphasized in all the middle school grades.

Science

Students in the sixth grade focus on the animal and plant kingdoms, genetics and heredity, and the solar system. Some of the highlights in sixth grade are interviewing family members to determine their dominant or recessive traits, using microscopes to study pond water organisms, and preparing for and participating in a week long class trip to Camp Widjiwagan.

All students in jr. high learn from both textbooks and hands-on lab experiences to build knowledge and inquiry skills. Students also participate in the science fair which is held in the spring. Students select their own topics and work alone or in partners. Throughout the year, students use the scientific method in all lab experiences and in the science fair.