5th Grade academy
Sample Class Schedule
| A Day | B Day |
8:30-9:45 Math |
8:30-9:45 Science |
9:50-10:25 Orchestra or Music |
9:50-10:25 Drama |
10:30-11:05 Music or Band |
10:30-11:05 Health |
11:05-11:50 Lunch/Recess |
11:05-11:50 Lunch/Recess |
11:55-1:10 World Language |
11:55-1:10 Physical Education |
1:15-2:30 English/Social Studies |
1:15-2:30 English/Social Studies |
2:35-3:10 Advisory |
2:35-3:10 Advisory |
Transitioning Into Middle School
Adolescence brings mind-bending questions that intrigue Middle School students. Who am I? How do I fit in? What is the right thing to do? How can I make the world a better place? At Mounds Park Academy, Middle School is where important questions get asked – and students are challenged to seek out answers. We encourage our Middle School students to follow their curiosity, become more independent, deepen their connections to others, and pursue their talents with purpose. And it all begins with the 5th Grade Academy.
What is 5th Grade Academy?
In 5th grade, a student’s first Middle School experience is carefully adapted to make the transition developmentally appropriate and meet students’ academic and social needs. A student’s class is his/her Advisory group. The group meets together at the beginning and end of each day. Advisory goals include academic support, social skills development, community service, and a nurturing environment. Advisory teachers facilitate student-led conferences and act as a liaison for parents, students, and teachers.
Why Start Middle School in 5th Grade?
One of the elements at Mounds Park Academy that elicits many questions is why our Middle School comprises grades five through eight, rather than six through eight. Since many Minnesota public Middle Schools start with sixth grade, why is MPA different?
“Fifth grade is a bridge between Lower School and Middle School,” says Anne DeVout Atchison, Middle School faculty member and Dean of Students Grades 5/6. “It’s the peak of childhood, when students become much more independent, making it a perfect time for transition.”
A 5–8 Middle School is better able to raise the level of academic expectations gradually while stretching the students without breaking them. Teachers have specialization in their content areas. Learning through experience and risk taking are commonplace. There are science and writing labs, long-term projects, and many field trips. Students are encouraged to learn independently as well as collaboratively through inquiry and in-depth content investigation.
What else?
In addition to our whole child and experiential approach, we help students become organized and gain academic success with the development of study habits. A highlight of fifth grade includes our fine arts program with visual art classes, drama class, band and orchestra, and music. Our many field trips include service learning at Feed My Starving Children and St. Paul Parks, an overnight at Camp Ihduhapi, Franconia Sculpture Garden, Taylors’ Falls and canoeing the St. Croix, and other trips in the area such as the Maplewood Nature Center, Aldrich Ice Arena, and the Maplewood Community Center. We believe giving life experience helps build character and develop cooperation and social skills.
