Academics
Lower School
Grades 4 & 5
Our goals for Creek students during their fourth and fifth grade years...
are that they continue to develop an awareness of themselves as learners, express individuality through creative thinking, practice collaboration and problem-solving skills, build the confidence to take healthy risks, demonstrate initiative and follow through, gain an appreciation for diverse perspectives, embody the virtues of kindness, honesty, and compassion, and become confident leaders both in our school community and beyond.
These years are a time of deep exploration and intellectual curiosity, as students delve further into their studies, using a variety of inquiry based lessons and cross-curricular studies. Indian Creek teachers bring concepts to life through in-depth exploration and hands-on activities. Students gain increased independence and stretch themselves academically. Our focus on close, nurturing relationships among faculty and students build a close-knit community where children have the freedom to grow and thrive.
These years are a time of deep exploration and intellectual curiosity, as students delve further into their studies, using a variety of inquiry based lessons and cross-curricular studies. Indian Creek teachers bring concepts to life through in-depth exploration and hands-on activities. Students gain increased independence and stretch themselves academically. Our focus on close, nurturing relationships among faculty and students build a close-knit community where children have the freedom to grow and thrive.
Academic Day
Students start each academic day in their homeroom. Large blocks of instructional time are incorporated throughout the weekly schedule for collaboration, group work, and project based learning. Fourth and fifth grade students take regular courses in math, language arts, social studies, science, Spanish, PE, art, Research Lab, Social and Emotional Learning, STEAM Lab, and music. Drama, Instrumental Music and chorus are also options, as well as a number of extra-curricular performing arts and athletics opportunities.
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Art
Fourth and fifth grade students hone their foundational artistic skills while gaining an understanding of art history and world cultures. Students enjoy experimenting with a variety of media such as paint, mixed media, clay, and found items. -
Language Arts
Reading and writing take on increased importance for fourth and fifth grade students as they become passionate, skilled communicators. At this level, language arts classes focus on word study, strategies to support fluency, strategies to understand key ideas and details of text, and analyzing the structure of the written word. Students develop a love of literature through differentiated novel studies and independent reading projects. Writing is incorporated into all subject areas. -
Mathematics
In grades 4 and 5, students continue building their math skills through our Singapore Math-based approach. Students begin to understand the application of mathematics in abstract and real-world forms, and take on more complex problem-solving. Fact fluency and problem solving skills are reinforced. -
Music
Regular music classes provide students with instruction in music history, world music, and instrumental and choral skills. Instrumental music is also a part of the fourth and fifth grade curriculum, as every student has the opportunity to learn a string, woodwind, brass or percussion instrument. Students share their choral talents as well, through several vocal concerts each year. -
Physical Education
Movement and exercise are an important part of the school day. Physical Education classes develop fitness and skills and focus on life-long health and wellness. -
Research Lab
In Research Lab, students learn how to gain, process, and evaluate information as savvy media consumers. Research enhances the classroom experiences by allowing students to delve further into books and online sources for deeper learning. Of course, students enjoy reading for pleasure and look forward to checking out books to enjoy at home. -
Social and Emotional Learning
Fourth and fifth grade students continue to build their skills in self awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, relationship skills, and social awareness through dedicated lessons in Social and Emotional Learning, based on the CASEL framework. -
Social Studies and Science
Science and social studies units are standards-based, covering a wide range of topics. Deep dives into subject areas allow students to become thoughtful, global-minded citizens. This curriculum is rich in social studies units spanning the globe and science units beginning at the microscopic level and branching into the study of the universe. -
Spanish
Fourth and fifth grade students become more fluent in Spanish reading, writing, and speaking skills. An increased focus on vocabulary and grammar skills enhances students' understanding of and appreciation for the Spanish language, while culture studies increases global awareness. -
STEAM Lab
Our math program blends with our science program in the STEAM Lab, where students can further explore the connections and applications between science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
Indian Creek School
Indian Creek school is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school, located in Crownsville, Maryland. Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections.
