Community Day School Love the learning, Live the Values 

Intermediate School (Grades 4-5)

Intermediate School girls on STUCO Pink Out Day
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

Learn more about Intermediate School

Mark Minkus Headshot

Mark Minkus was appointed Middle School in June 2012, and shortly afterward assumed leadership of the CDS Intermediate School. He comes to Community Day School with more than 20 years experience as Head of School at an independent, religious day school. He has a bachelor's degree in Education from Slippery Rock University and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Geneva College. For the last two decades, Mr. Minkus has helped teachers grow through professional development and challenged students to reach their potential through high expectations and the implementation of a rigorous curriculum.