In 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, students deepen their engagement with increasingly complex concepts while continuing to learn through studies and experiences rooted in real life. Collaboration becomes central, with children taking on greater roles in the Jobs Program and learning to navigate group work, discussion, and problem solving with growing independence.
The Role of the Teacher
At this stage, teachers foster critical thinking and reflection, guiding students to articulate ideas, consider multiple perspectives, and see themselves as capable contributors to their community.
Social Studies
Social studies serves as the hub of the wheel for our students: a framework for integrating literacy, math, science, and the arts, encouraging students to investigate topics that spark curiosity and connect to the broader world. They explore increasingly complex concepts such as immigration, early American history, or New York City’s development, grounding these studies in primary sources, field trips, and student-led inquiry. In-depth studies culminate in presentations, written work, and collaborative models that bring history and society to life.
Math
Math instruction combines concrete tools and real-life contexts—such as mapping or data collection—with more abstract problem solving. Students build fluency with operations, fractions, and early geometry, developing reasoning and perseverance. Learn more about math for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.
Literacy
Reading and writing deepen through book groups, comprehensive research projects, and original compositions. Students practice expressing opinions, summarizing information, and refining their voice as writers across genres. Learn more about literacy for grades 3-5.
Social-Emotional Learning
With growing independence, students navigate more complex group dynamics and responsibilities in the Jobs Program. Teachers help them reflect on their role in the community, manage conflicts constructively, and develop empathy and leadership skills. Events like our "Coffee and Conversation" series provide parents time and space with our specialists to discuss specific milestones and ascpects of child development.
A Day in the Life:
Mail delivery.
Students participate in essential school routines as part of our mail delivery program. Third graders serve as the school’s official mail carriers, tracking attendance, delivering messages, and assisting with daily announcements. They take these responsibilities seriously, contributing meaningfully to the life of C&C.
Library.
From 2nd grade through graduation, students visit the library daily for independent reading. The space—featuring comfortable seating, children’s artwork, and curated book displays—reinforces that reading is both enjoyable and engaging.
9:30
9:30
Math.
Our progressive math program balances skill development with practical application. Students strengthen their understanding by applying concepts in real-world contexts, such as writing receipts at the School Store, adding and multiplying to total purchases, and using subtraction to adjust for changing customer needs.
Social studies.
Social studies are at the heart of our curriculum, helping students explore cultures and historical periods near and far. Through mapping, 3D-printing artifacts, museum visits, and timeline projects, students conduct research that brings the past to life and connects it to the present.
Engaging many modalities is the key to deep understanding.
Science.
Science at C&C blends direct instruction in core skills with integrated learning across the curriculum. In the lab, students experiment with historical techniques, like paper-making, or design functional systems, such as irrigation projects. These hands-on experiences deepen understanding of discoveries and the people behind them.
Music.
Playing in an ensemble engages multiple areas of the brain while fostering discipline and collaboration. Formal music instruction begins in 3rd grade and progresses to ensemble orchestra by5th grade and beyond. Students have opportunities to learn instruments such as recorder, violin, cello, ukulele, and guitar.
1:30
1:30
Communication is the key to inclusion and belonging.
Community Meetings provide a structured time for open, respectful dialogue. Students practice speaking honestly, engaging with challenging topics, considering multiple perspectives, and expressing their ideas with confidence. These discussions build critical thinking, empathy, and community cohesion.
Explore further
