Sample Schedule

Monday

9:00-11:30: MakerSpace

11:30-3:30 Outdoor learning
and community service

Tuesday-Friday

8:15-8:35: Morning meeting
and movement

8:35-9:35: Math

9:35-9:50: Recess

9:50-11:05: Core

11:05-11:20: Read Aloud

11:30-12:05: Lunch

12:05-12:35: Silent Reading

12:35-1:45: Core (W/F) and
Fine Arts program (T/Th)

1:45-1:55: Recess

1:55-3:25: Electives (T/Th),
Fine Art with Michelle Yamamoto (W), PE (F)

5th-Grade at Hood River New School

The 5th-grade program will follow the New School academic model, providing an inquiry-based curriculum, hands-on and project-based learning, and deep explorations into STEAM learning, while ensuring middle school readiness. Inquiry and critical thinking will serve as the foundation of learning in the core class, where our younger students will be immersed in science, language arts, social science, and humanities in their own classroom. This cohort will visit the Gorge MakerSpace each Monday for 3 hours in addition to their more traditional classroom learning. Students in the 5th-grade program will have the opportunity to socialize with older students during breaks and lunch and will join the upper school for math and electives.

Math

Math is covered as an independent subject and is not leveled by grade, but rather by student ability, allowing students of all ages to explore their capabilities without an age-assigned “ceiling.” Like our upper school students, 5th grade students are able to take a math class that matches their ability - from Grade 5 math up to Algebra 2.

Mondays at New School

On Monday, the 5th-grade students will engage in problem-solving-focused projects at the Gorge MakerSpace with Jack Perrin, learning woodworking, digital fabrication, and coding. They will also have time for outdoor education and community service on these enrichment days.

Fine Art, Physical Education and Electives

The 5th-grade cohort will have two hours of dedicated fine arts each week with Michelle Yamamoto, our Fine Arts teacher. Additionally, 5th-grade students will attend two electives each week with upper school students. These classes are led by local experts in subjects including fine art, foreign languages, robotics, digital storytelling, movement, science, and music. Electives give students the opportunity to explore topics and activities tailored to their interests each week. Students typically take two electives per trimester. 5th-Grade students also participate in Physical Education classes each week.