Branches
Fourth & Fifth Grade — where students reach outward, take on more, and step into the school as leaders.
Stretching out, standing taller
The fourth- and fifth-grade years are a time of expanding independence and emerging interdependence. Students start looking toward the world and their place in it. Children in this age group are full of bold ideas and big questions, and our teachers help them shape that curiosity into meaningful projects and adventures.
Branches students internalize what it means to be a positive community member, a peer mentor, and a self-starter. Lessons are relationally focused and academically rigorous — there's no contradiction between joy and depth at Cedarbrook.
By the end of fifth grade, students are ready for the more independent rhythm of Canopy (middle school). They've built strong study habits, learned how to organize their own work, and developed a clear sense of who they are as learners.
Branches is also when students take on cross-pod mentorship roles — partnering with Seedlings on writing buddies, garden days, and read-alouds.
Three threads woven through every day
Independent Thinking
Branches students start asking sharper questions and forming their own opinions. Teachers create space for that — through Socratic discussions, project debates, and writing that takes a stand.
Academic Depth
Strong research skills, complex writing, fluent multi-step math, and the first formal introductions to digital literacy — building the foundation for middle school.
Mentorship Begins
Branches students mentor Seedlings during cross-pod time, lead morning meetings, and run their own community projects. Leadership starts here — not in middle school.
"By 5th grade my son was running a recycling project for the whole school and had presented to the head of school twice. He's 11. I would not have predicted that."JAMES, PARENT OF A 5TH GRADER
Explore all four pods
Students grow through each level. See the full journey.