Intermediate School (Grades 4-5)
in·ter·me·di·ate / in-tər-ˈmē-dē-ət /
• occurring in the middle of a process or series
• relating to or having the knowledge or skill of someone who is more advanced than a beginner but not yet an expert
These definitions embody the purpose of the Intermediate School at Community Day School–to connect the past to the future.
Intermediate School at CDS–4th and 5th Grades–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 embrace the opportunities of Middle School. They need a place to grow into the students they are meant to become through the right balance of challenge and nurture. That’s exactly what the CDS Intermediate School provides.
A skilled group of caring educators create an academically rigorous, but emotionally safe and joyful environment with an emphasis on critical thinking and socio-emotional development.
Students develop a “growth mindset,” where they learn that you can become smarter by trying hard things, failing forward, and then trying them again with another strategy. Intentional opportunities guide children to become mensch-like leaders and “upstanders” who make our world a better place.
Discover how our Intermediate School connects our Lower School and Middle School and prepares our students for all that lies ahead. It is my privilege to help lead them on this journey.
— Mark Minkus, Head of Intermediate School and Middle School