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3rd - 5th Grade

Teachers build on basic skills students learned in earlier grades to help students apply higher-level thinking to all subjects. Improved reading comprehension opens doors to a deeper understanding of ideas, topics and events. Socially, children begin to internalize values like respect and cooperation, and learn more personal responsibility. Most importantly, students build the skills they need to succeed in middle school.

3-5 Curriculum

English Language Arts
3-5 Curriculum

English Language Arts

English Language Arts

During the upper-elementary years, there’s a comprehension switch that happens in your child’s brain. They move from learning to read to reading to learn. As fluency improves, students learn to apply a variety of comprehension skills to texts, including making inferences and drawing conclusions. They write more complex stories, essays, and poetry, while learning important grammar skills that will contribute to their writing style. Our teachers use tools in line with state standards and ELA best practices to support instruction.

Math
3-5 Curriculum

Math

Math

In third through fifth grade, students build on their understanding of addition, subtraction, and place value to extend their thinking to multiplication, division, and fraction concepts. Our curriculum actively engages students in learning experiences that foster critical thinking and a deep understanding of mathematics through the use of visual models and real-world problem solving.

Science
3-5 Curriculum

Bookcase

Science

A child’s love of science and engineering can really bloom between third and fifth grades as they have an opportunity to dig deeper into life science, physical science, and earth and space science. Children will have the ability to apply their learning to the real-life applications of technology and engineering, while continuing to develop key practices such as communication and collaboration that will support them throughout their education.

Social Studies
3-5 Curriculum

Social Studies

Social Studies

A child’s awareness and interest in the world around them begins to expand in the years before middle school. They study the values and principles of American democracy, and their responsibilities as citizens. They learn about the structures and functions of government, economics, human systems and the birth of our nation by exploring their state’s history from settlement to the modern world and American History from indigenous communities to the Revolutionary War. They also explore the world’s countries and continents by examining the past and making connections to our present, learning how we are both similar and different to those in our own communities and around the world.

Specials
3-5 Curriculum

Specials

Specials

Students study art, music, physical education and technology.

child raising her hand


Advanced Learning Program  


We offer advanced learning opportunities for top-performing students who are ready to progress beyond grade level.

 
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We're More Than Academics

Strong hearts and minds impact the world in amazing ways. Virtues such as respect, perseverance, compassion, and courage are essential to what kids need to succeed and an essential part of what we teach. We make them part of every school day. This helps students learn the importance of making good decisions and doing the right thing in life. Moral Focus is so integrated into everything we do:

  • We created a curriculum specifically around Moral Focus.
  • We celebrate a “virtue of the month” every month.
  • Our students create a class contract where students agree how to treat their teacher and each other.
  • Students are recognized and celebrated for how they live out Moral Focus every day.

Parent

I love the emphasis on moral focus each month. Not only is my child receiving an education, but you are also teaching her qualities to be a good person.

Monthly Virtues

Wisdom Badge

Wisdom

Use good judgment to make decisions

Respect Badge

Respect

Treat others the way you want to be treated

Gratitude Badge

Gratitude

Appreciate the kindness and generosity of others

Self-control badge

Self-control

Manage your emotions and behavior to stay calm

Perseverance Badge

Perseverance

Persist through difficulties until you reach your goal

Courage Badge

Courage

Despite fear, do what you believe is right

Encouragement badge

Encouragement

Motivate others to have confidence in themselves

Compassion Badge

Compassion

Help and care for others during times of need

Integrity Badge

Integrity

Do what is right, honorable, and good

Collage of kids in classrooms

Traditional School or Homeschool?

The decision between enrolling your child into a traditional school versus homeschooling can be difficult. It usually depends on the student and family's needs and preferences. Here at National Heritage Academies (NHA), we know how important this decision can be and want to help you and your family make the right decision. Keep reading to learn more about what an NHA-partner school education means for your child.
Learn More About NHA's Approach

Preparing your child for a lifetime of success

See what happens when hard work, personal responsibility, and a nurturing school community combine to create one exceptional experience. Founded on academic excellence, moral focus, parental partnership, and student responsibility, River City Scholars is a school like no other—one that can lead your child to a lifetime of success.

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Imagine a school dedicated to giving your child the best possible education, where students get the attention they need, and where virtues are a part of every day.

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