Lower House

Our Lower House includes grades 5 and 6.

Most students enter Link in grade 5, where they will experience an elementary school structure with four teams/communities of 20 students each.  Each team is supported by two teachers, allowing for a lower student to teacher ratio and increased differentiation as students build core skills. Each team of two 5^th grade teachers, deliver instruction in English language arts, math, science and social studies. Teachers build close relationships with their 5^th grade students providing for the growth of the whole child. The physical space feels much like elementary school, allowing for a smoother transition to Link and a more supportive environment.

As students move into grade 6, they will begin to experience elements of middle school, with movement to content area teachers. This movement allows 6^th graders to begin the transition to a completely departmentalized approach in the upper house.

A team of special education and paraprofessional staff provide increased levels of support for students who have special needs or gaps in learning that require more individualized help.

The course of study for grade 5 is as follows (click on the subject for scope & sequence):

• English language arts (Readers Workshop and Writers Workshop)100 minutes daily
• Math, 100 minutes daily
• Social Studies and World Culture, 50 minutes daily for ½ the year
• Earth Science, 50 minutes daily for ½ the year
• The Arts, 50 minutes, four times per week with rotation of Art, Music, and Performing Arts, changing each quarter
• Physical Education, 100 minutes per week
• Health, 50 minutes per week
• Life Skills, 50 minutes per week
• Advisory and Morning Circle, 30 minutes, each twice per week
• 21^st Century Skills, 50 minutes twice each week

The course of study for grade 6 is as follows:

• English language arts, (Writers Workshop and Readers Workshop) 100 minutes daily
• Math, 100 minutes daily
• US History I 50 minutes daily for ½ the year
• Earth Science, 50 minutes daily for ½ the year
• The Arts, 50 minutes, four times per week with rotation of Art, Music, and Performing Arts, changing each quarter
• Physical Education, 100 minutes per week
• Health, 50 minutes per week
• Advisory and Morning Circle, 30 minutes, each twice per week
• Spanish, 50 minutes twixe each week