Fifth graders read many genres of literature that provide multiple perspectives in order for students to make personal connections. They are taught how to critically read a text by analyzing the literary elements and characters, in addition to understanding the author’s message and theme. 

Students will also explore relevant current events that are occurring locally, nationally, and internationally, and will participate in discussions about the who, what, when, where, and why these events occur and the impact that they have on us, our greater community, and the world. Fifth grade is a year to develop critical thinking skills, analytical reading skills, speaking skills, and media literacy skills. This is also a time for students to reflect about their role in the community and what they can do to help our world become a better place. 

In social studies, fifth graders start the year by studying the five themes of geography:  place, location, human/environment interaction, movement, and region, and assess how these five components impact a civilization. Students learn about the various geographical features of the world and practice mapping skills. Fifth graders discuss the difference between prehistory and history, asking the question, “How do we know what happened in the past?” and “Who tells the history of the world?” 

With inquiry at its core, the science curriculum aims to guide students to collaboratively and independently investigate issues through observation, research, and experimentation. As students investigate real examples of science applications they discover the dependencies and tensions between ethics, culture, economics, and environment. 

Continuing with the Singapore Math curriculum, fifth grade math is organized into three major topics: whole numbers, parts, and geometry. Math class is organized into a structure in which students review the homework from the previous night, engage in a mini lesson about a concept, then practice either independently or in small groups, and then regroup to share their classwork. 

Classroom Advisory Program (CAP)
CAP is a time for students to engage in conversations and activities which build their understanding of their identities, asking questions such as “Who am I?” “Who do I want to be?” and “Who tells my story?” Other topics are discussed, such as what a community is and isn’t, how to manage friendships, manage conflicts, how to build respectful relationships, consent, what interpersonal and intrapersonal skills are, and digital citizenship. In February, fifth graders participate in health classes, in which they learn about puberty, learning about the biology behind puberty, and the physical changes that will occur during puberty. This is also a time to build empathy towards one another while they are going through this time of change in their lives. Students also explore the inequity girls and women face around the world in relation to puberty, such as access to education and resources. 
 

Beginning in fifth grade, Electives are offered once per week to middle school students in mixed group settings. This is a chance for students to have choice and voice through personal selection and an opportunity to work with peers from other middle school classes. Offerings change from year to year and have included ​​Photography, Creative Writing, Fiber Arts, Tinkering and Makerspace, The Art of Public Speaking, Healthy Habits and Nutrition, Service Learning, Theatre, Coding, and Ethics Bowl.

5th graders can expect daily homework that is purposeful and helps students manage their time and workload responsibly. Students will be assessed in a variety of ways , including class discussions, homework assignments, comprehension questions, essays, end of unit tests, quizzes, and research projects. Stevens uses authentic observation, testing, and ongoing assessment to provide a comprehensive evaluation of each student.
 

In addition to exploring relevant curriculum connections through local day trips to museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, students participate in an overnight trip to the Poconos Environmental Education Center (PEEC) for three days and two nights focused on enhancing teamwork, leadership and self-confidence.