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Laura Jeffrey Academy

Learning Programs
Learning Programs
STEM-Focused Learning
Special Education
Testing & Assessments
Life at LJA
Student Life
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Meals
Activities and Athletics
After School Care
High School Transition Options
Newsletters
Calendar & Events
About Us
About LJA
Who was Laura Jeffrey?
Teachers & Staff
Board of Directors
FAQs
Educator-Led Staff Structure
Educational Design
Policies
Safe School
LJA Recognition and Reporting
World's Best Workforce
Support Us
Blog
Contact
Search
Interested in LJA?
Why Start Middle School in 5th Grade?
February 13, 2023
Website Maintenance Account
Why Start Middle School in 5th Grade?
Website Maintenance Account
February 13, 2023

Why Start Middle School in 5th Grade?

Website Maintenance Account
February 13, 2023

WHY START Middle School IN 5TH GRADE?

At LJA, we focus on whole-child learning as a part of our educational mission. We believe it’s crucial to begin fostering this love of learning and STEM thinking in the 5th-grade year, before students lose confidence in their abilities. 

Research shows that early adolescents often lose interest in academics during the tween years, particularly in math, science, technology and physical activity. Sixth grade can be a particularly challenging year as academics become overshadowed by students maturing at a rapid pace. Students are trying to figure out who they are, what they want, and understand their sense of agency and power as adolescents.

Although this can be a challenging time between caregivers and students, starting 5th grade with a supportive learning environment can help your child move through this critical development phase – as they explore their potential, develop their intellect and discover their brilliance.

Starting middle school in fifth grade ensures time for staff to get to know each individual scholar and their family before the rate of developmental change and challenge increases in sixth grade. Our staff prioritizes forming authentic relationships with each student to understand their unique interests, strengths, hopes and dreams. Our scholars are just beginning their journey to understand how they fit into the world and develop a sense of belonging to a larger community.

Teacher Emily Barnes shares, “Each year, I see students come from all around the city, from a wide variety of prior learning experiences, to create a new and outstanding fifth-grade class. Students quickly form friendships, and I hear them say over and over again that they’ve found their people here.”

This is precisely why we do things the LJA way. With our STEM-focused learning, we incorporate strong science content, technology, and critical thinking. We help our students nurture their curiosity and wonderment, become innovative thinkers and resilient problem solvers, and apply STEM thinking in and out of the classroom.

At Laura Jeffrey Academy, we are committed to doing what works best for kids, even if it looks a little different from the traditional model of schooling. At LJA, students learn to think, dream, and do, which leads to empowered scholars and alums who continually find solutions, push beyond stereotypes and dismantle glass ceilings. LJA graduates are articulate, thoughtful critical thinkers, conscientious citizens, and eager participants in their own learning and growth.

Tagged: Whole Child Learning, 5th Grade

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Empowering STEM Scholars to be creators, thinkers and
problem solvers in a collaborative school environment.

Inquire About Enrollment Now
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Laura Jeffrey Academy, 1550 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105, United States651-414-6000info@laurajeffreyacademy.org

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