LANGUAGE ARTS
The Class IV language arts course strives to develop among its students a community of lifelong readers and writers. While growing in excitement about reading and literature, students develop their writing skills through the study of mechanics, grammar, spelling, and word usage. Frequent writing exercises allow students to explore memoir, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction.
Through full-class discussion, small-group work, independent reading, and literature circles, students develop the necessary skills to become both analytical and resonant readers. They also gain an understanding of the importance of personal interpretation when discussing or writing about literature. Students are exposed to and gain a familiarity with significant authors. As a variety of genres are studied, students are taught to analyze this literature for character, setting, plot, and theme. Representative titles are often connected to the social studies curriculum and may include Sign of the Beaver, Journey to A New World, Tolliver’s Secret, In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, and others. This interdisciplinary approach, which utilizes the programs in social studies, art, technology, drama and music, enlarges the scope of the students’ experience with literature and further develops their appreciation for the written word.
MATHEMATICS
The math course covers main topics such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and mixed numbers, as well as percents and ratios. Geometry concepts including perimeter, area, and volume are 
introduced. Exercises in financial literacy, estimation, and reasoning reinforce life skills. Daily practice in mental math promotes proficiency. Logical reasoning, problem-solving techniques, and application are emphasized in each topic. Mastered material is reviewed and becomes the basis for new material, exploration, and enrichment.
GEOGRAPHY: THE PEOPLE AND THE LAND
Students examine the development of the United States with particular attention devoted to the influence of geography on the evolution of the nation. The exploration of natural resources and the development of the land allow students naturally to investigate the growth of the United States, particularly in terms of western expansion. The resources available to early settlers, the rise of Manifest Destiny, and the fate of immigrants are some themes related to the geographical studies.
SCIENCE
This course is organized around several different units, including: earth and the solar system, water and weather, and earth’s changing surface. In each unit the students learn scientific concepts through a variety of resources and methods. Hands-on activities are emphasized and used as often as possible. The students are required to work both individually and in pairs or in small groups. Time is also spent learning to use a science text as a resource and developing scientific note taking skills.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Understanding the relationship among oneself, others, and God is the underlying goal of the religious studies program. The Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments, as well as scripture stories, inspire discussion of personal and social ethics and the development of conscience. The role of God’s grace and forgiveness is emphasized. Students, teachers, and parents work together to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
WORLD LANGUAGES
As Class IV students begin their world language studies, they spend one trimester each studying French, Latin, and Spanish. Each course meets two times a week. The focus of these sample courses is to engage the students’ interest in language study, introduce them to each language, and explore the culture of the people who speak (or spoke) it. In French and Spanish, speaking and listening skills are emphasized through the exchange of essential information such as greetings, leave-takings, and common classroom interactions, using culturally appropriate gestures and oral expressions. Vocabulary is always taught in context, and grammar is presented by modeling. At this level, reading and writing skills are incorporated primarily to enhance listening and speaking skills. Students learn to ask and answer questions in the target language about topics such as family, school events, likes and dislikes, and celebrations in both oral and written form. Classroom interactions are generally conducted in the target language in order to de-emphasize literal translation and to increase the use of the language in meaningful situations. In Latin, students are introduced to the study of the Latin language and Roman culture. Understanding of English grammar is reinforced as students develop the reading skills required for accurate translation. Through stories, students learn vocabulary and basic grammatical structures in Latin that will provide a foundation for further study of Latin, another romance language, and English. At the end of the Class IV year, the students select, with the instructor’s approval, the language that she will study for the next three years in Middle School.
ART
In Studio Art IV, students explore various art materials, processes and concepts. Course projects will often relate to the students’ social studies curriculum in American Studies. The course also includes assignments designed to challenge students’ creative and technical skills through individual and collaborative work processes. The course meets once a week in the Carroll Classroom at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where the students have the opportunity to integrated their studio work with visits to the galleries.
MUSIC
The course emphasizes vocal development through participation in choral singing, in which students learn the subtleties of rhythmic and melodic diction, rounds, two-part harmonic experiences, and key and time signatures. Music is a vital force in the School and enriches liturgical events, chapel services, assemblies, the annual Lessons and Carols service, and Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day.
DRAMA AND SPEECH
This class introduces students to the principles of speech and drama. Students learn and practice basic skills of projection, poise, articulation, dramatic phrasing, and eye contact through exercises and class presentations. The class gives students the opportunity to develop their public speaking and performance skills, training them to speak with confidence, authority, and ease in front of an audience. Through poetry, fables, monologues, Shakespeare, and original compositions, students practice the creative skill of the spoken word. The class focuses both on individual presentations and collaborative projects, including voice poems, book talks, and scenes. It culminates with an interdisciplinary presentation, Revolutionary Voices.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Two periods of team sports are held weekly to introduce students in Class IV to basic game skills needed to play simplified forms of field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball and badminton, as well as outdoor track and field events. In addition, students in Class IV take one semester of dance and one of fitness to practice various styles of dance and choreographed routines set to music as well as individual physical fitness.
HEALTH AND GUIDANCE
This course is designed to help students make positive choices in areas of physical, emotional, and social development. To assist students in forming healthy attitudes and habits, the curriculum focuses on dental hygiene, the effects of smoking, the digestive system, nutrition, illness prevention, and personal safety. An in-depth unit on growth and development is included. Students also study aspects of social and emotional learning, including listening skills, conflict resolution, empathy, friendship, gossip, multicultural appreciation, and media literacy.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES
The objective of this technology course in Class IV is to strengthen computer literacy and keyboarding proficiency. Students’ word-processing, drawing, layout, and multimedia authoring skills are developed in class lessons and in projects integrated with other courses, including science, religious studies, and language arts.