Fourth Grade

Unique to the fourth grade is a teaching team that offers a semi-departmentalized, coordinated, and integrated course of study.

Fourth graders explore the electoral process in the fall as they learn about  the workings of New Jersey government.  They prepare for the Lower School mock election by registering to vote, determining their legislative districts, and learning about the candidates and where they stand on the issues.  This year, the students will be following the U.S. Congressional races in their congressional districts.

In the spring, the students study the culture of Appalachia and transform the classroom into part underground coal mine with other parts reflecting life in the mountains.  The project includes an indoor vegetable garden.  Fourth graders give tours to small groups of Lower School students, as well as some Middle and Upper School students and faculty.

Science is highlighted by two field trips.  We study insects, the solar system, bones and muscles and rocks and minerals.  Along with all the regular curricular activities the fourth graders have Kindergarten buddies, serve on the Safety Team, and are responsible for a number of jobs that serve the Lower School.