Fifth grade is a pivotal moment in a child’s school journey, which means the months leading up to it are a great time for families to reassess their school fit. As students prepare for the transition to middle school — with increased academic expectations, growing independence, and expanding social and extracurricular opportunities — having the right environment in place makes a meaningful difference. Evaluating school options for 5th grade allows families to be thoughtful and proactive, ensuring their child enters middle school confident, supported, and ready to thrive.
At Flint Hill, we see this grade as a powerful moment to welcome new students into our community. That’s the “why” behind expanding from two to three sections of 5th grade, offering even more opportunities to personalize learning while keeping relationships at the center of the experience.
Academic Challenge and Exploration
Fifth graders want to be challenged, but they also need scaffolding to support their learning. Our leveled math courses offer both stretch and support, while our science program includes a dedicated lab space in addition to classroom instruction, inviting hands-on experimentation and discovery.
As students become more self-aware, they start to ask more profound questions and develop a deeper sense of identity. Flint Hill provides them with opportunities to express who they are and what they care about:
- Creative Expression: Students share original work through events like our Poetry Café and present regularly at Lower School Morning Meeting during community share time.
- Arts with Choice: Moving beyond general music, students select band, choir, percussion, or theater, developing ownership of their creative path.
Supporting Growth In Every Dimension
Developmentally, 10- and 11-year-olds are bursting with energy and ideas. They’re starting to take pride in their work, seek out stronger social bonds, and want to be seen and heard as individuals. Yet, they also still need structure, breaks, and physical nourishment to stay balanced.
At Flint Hill, our 5th grade program is designed to meet all of these needs. Students continue to have a dedicated homeroom teacher, grounding them in a stable, supportive environment. Their schedule includes recess and snack time, and students also benefit from a “grab-and-go” cafeteria option that offers healthy, satisfying food throughout the day. In addition to daily recess, 5th graders travel to our Upper & Middle School campus for PE, an exciting glimpse into the future, and a chance to enjoy our state-of-the-art athletic facilities.
Setting Kids Up for Future Middle School Success
While many districts start middle school in 5th or 6th grade, Flint Hill strategically keeps those grades in the Lower School to ensure a more developmentally appropriate transition. Our 5th graders experience increased responsibility, more movement between classes, and differentiated academics — all without being lost in a large middle school setting. With flexible math groupings, project-based learning, and leadership opportunities, our Huskies are both supported and stretched in ways that build confidence for the next step.
Fifth grade Huskies serve as key leaders in the Lower School, acting as safety walkers, buddy program partners, and creators of community experiences. They build strong study habits and essential leadership skills in this nurturing environment. We ensure these students don’t just adjust to middle school — they thrive when they get there.
A Community That Knows and Cares
What makes Flint Hill distinct isn’t just our innovative programming; it’s our commitment to getting to know each student deeply. We foster an innovative mindset that inspires students to take meaningful risks, reflect on their learning, and blaze their own trails.
Our 5th grade year is intentionally designed to support this growth. It’s a year of increased responsibility and increased joy, a time when students stretch themselves, supported by teachers who champion their potential every step of the way.
Joining Flint Hill in 5th grade is a purposeful step into a community that understands, values, and challenges students at a critical stage in their growth. We welcome families to learn more about how Flint Hill’s Lower School continues to evolve and innovate to meet the needs of every learner.
Jess Henry is an experienced educator and leader in early childhood and elementary education. As Director of the Lower School, she oversees the academic and social-emotional development of students in Grades JK-6. With over two decades of experience in a range of roles — from classroom teacher to instructional coach to math department chair — Jess brings a student-centered and developmentally responsive approach to school leadership. She holds a B.A. and an M.A. in education from Virginia Tech.
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