English/Language Arts

In the intermediate grades, teachers refine students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through dynamic whole-group and small-group instruction. As they progress, students engage with increasingly complex literature and informational texts, expanding vocabulary and analytical abilities. Guided by teacher support, they read diverse fiction and nonfiction, articulate insights, and strengthen written expression by organizing ideas and supporting arguments with evidence. By fifth grade, students confidently summarize, interpret, and present information, applying the conventions of spoken and written English with precision.

Mathematics

In the intermediate grades, students refine their mathematical reasoning, drawing connections between concepts such as fractions and decimals or area and multiplication. Instruction incorporates manipulatives, interactive lessons, and guided practice to deepen understanding.

  • Third grade builds number sense, introduces fractions as parts of whole numbers, and lays the foundation for multiplication, division, and problem-solving.
  • Fourth grade expands proficiency in all four operations, measurement concepts, and fraction manipulation, including comparison, addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
  • Fifth grade strengthens place value with decimals, advances fraction operations with varied denominators, and introduces volume measurement.

Students are encouraged to apply their learning beyond the classroom, while teachers cultivate perseverance and problem-solving skills essential for future success.

Science

Science instruction at St. Mary’s School offers a comprehensive exploration of Life, Earth, Space, and Physical Sciences, fostering inquiry through observation, experimentation, and analysis. Students refine their understanding by engaging in research, written expression, and interactive demonstrations, showcasing their knowledge across the classroom and school-wide displays.

Social Studies

In the intermediate grades, students transition from broad social studies survey courses to focused studies in geography and history.

  • Third grade explores the six elements of geography, their cultural impact, and the evolution of laws, government, and traditions.
  • Fourth grade examines North American native civilizations, European exploration, colonial development, and the founding of the United States, including Tennessee history up to 1850.
  • Fifth grade delves into the Civil War, Industrial America, major 20th-century events, and the nation’s evolving role in global affairs, from World War II to the present.

Beyond content mastery, students refine research, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking through primary source interpretation and historical writing.

Well-Rounded Education

At St. Mary’s School teachers recognize that all children develop at different rates and have differing abilities and interests. Our approach to education looks at the whole child, not the sum of discrete academic areas. In addition to direct academic instruction in the content areas and religion, students attend weekly classes in art, music, library, technology, and physical education. These experiences enrich the academic program and offer cross-curricular connections to the classroom when possible.