Intermediate School
Intermediate School at CDS (Grades 4 & 5) forms a bridge between Lower School and Middle School.
Nine- and 10-year-olds are developmentally ready to move beyond the self-contained classrooms of Lower School. However, they must build their knowledge, skills, and maturity before they can confidently embrace the opportunities of Middle School.
They need a place to grow into the students and people they are meant to become through the right balance of challenge and nurture—an academically rigorous, but emotionally safe environment.
That’s exactly what the CDS Intermediate School provides.
Personalized Learning Experiences
Student Support
The dedicated team of learning specialists in our Academic & Emotional Services Department works collaboratively with faculty and parents to meet the individual needs of students with diverse learning styles and support skill-building in social-emotional development.
Gettysburg Trip
A highly anticipated class trip to Gettysburg for CDS 5th graders is the perfect way to end their Intermediate School experience. It brings to life their classroom learning in Social Studies and Language Arts about early American history and draws connections to current events.
Emerging Leaders
Jr. Student Council builds leadership skills and creates a sense of belonging in Intermediate School. Special events include a themed Spirit Day, as well as a Service Learning Project such as trail clean-up in partnership with Friends of the Riverfront.
Responsive Classroom
CDS Intermediate School is grounded in the Responsive Classroom approach integrating academic and social-emotional skills to empower students to do their best learning. With this core philosophy, our classrooms are safe, challenging, and joyful places for children to learn and thrive.
A Day at a Glance
Sample 5th Grade Schedule
Classes meet on a rotating basis through an 8-Day academic cycle in our student-centered schedule.
- Homeroom
- Tefillah (Prayer)
- Science
- Specials
- Morning Meeting
- Jewish Studies
- Recess
- Lunch
- Language Arts
- Keyboarding, Digital Citizenship, Routines & Reading
- Math
- After-School Activities