Fourth Grade

Wheeling Country Day School offers Fourth Grade for children eight and nine years old. Fourth grade marks a clear transition in a student’s academic progress with increased expectations for student responsibility and self-directed learning. 

Fourth grade students concentrate heavily on social aspects of life, with a strong emphasis on contextual understanding, recognition of differing perspectives, and a development of empathy.

The reading component focuses on vocabulary, comprehension, and analysis of character and plot in a broad range of selections including fiction, historical fiction, and non-fiction. Writing continues to be a central part of all learning activities including journals, book reports, and research papers. Spelling and vocabulary skills develop from word lists and from words in the content areas. Grammar and structure become valuable tools to enhance communication. Students develop reports, stories, letters, and journal entries using the writing process.

Mathematics continues to stress the need for accurate computation and careful application in the problem solving process. Concepts are introduced and reviewed through a variety of hands-on and pencil-and-paper activities. Equations and word problems take on increasing importance in the program. The analytical approach to problem solving prepares the children for more rigorous quantitative explorations.

The study of United States history uses both historical and current events, along with cultural analysis, which culminates in a Native American societal review. The use of Socratic discussions and open-ended, Problem-Based Learning activities is relied upon in order to instill a sense of understanding across civilizations.

Classroom experiments rooted in Inquiry-Based Learning allow students to utilize creative and innovative thinking skills, as well as develop unique solutions to real world situations. Students will study a variety of topics including physical, earth, and natural sciences while using outdoor, place-based resources among a lush campus in order to better visualize both the problem and solution.

Creative & Skill-Based Courses

In addition to the traditional subject areas, students participate in fine arts, physical education, foreign language, and technology classes. An emphasis on the fine arts has been a part of the school since its inception. Biweekly classes in art and music are highlights in the children’s experiences. Daily physical education classes enhance physical development, while the morning intramural program fosters team relationships across grade levels. Children learn to use both the library and the computer as valuable resources for information.

An Emphasis on Character Development

Character development instruction highlighting respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship complements the academic offerings. Each teacher weaves this special program into the class’s regular curriculum.

Technology & Culture

While being part of the Wheeling Country Day School community, children prepare for an increasingly global, technological society with language and culture classes as well as technology instruction. In addition to studying Spanish and Japanese, students explore the rich cultural heritage represented by the school’s families. Special school-wide and classroom activities throughout the year expand this understanding of the relationship between self and community. At the same time, students receive computer instruction preparing them for the world’s technology and their participation in it.

Clubs & After School Activities

Wheeling Country Day School extends its curriculum by offering students a variety of clubs that they may join. These clubs are scheduled at various times during the school day so that participating in them does not interfere with students’ after school activities.

Fourth Grade Teachers & Staff

#I am thankful foe luke hladek

Bridget Rutherford

Fourth Grade / Assistant Head of School for Learning
black face

Damon Rouse

4th Grade

Margie Howells

Fourth Grade/Edge

Stella Boldrick

Fourth Grade

Before & Aftercare Programs

Our before and aftercare programs are designed to help the student and the parent. Drop your students off early or pick them up a bit later and feel comfortable knowing they are safe and still learning.

Tutoring & Multisensory Learning

Edge at Wheeling Country Day School is an on-campus instruction center for students with language-based learning differences. 

Fifth Grade

For students ready to graduate from Second Grade, Wheeling Country Day School offers exceptional Third Grade education.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages/grades are offered at WCDS?

Wheeling Country Day School has programs for children ages 2-14. Our We Two program is offered as a once-a-week offering, while our preschool through 8th-grade programs provides full-day options. 

Is Wheeling Country Day School Accredited?

Wheeling Country Day School is fully accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS).

Do you provide Financial Aid and Scholarships?

Wheeling Country Day School offers Need-Based Flexible Tuition to enroll students who could not otherwise afford to attend. No qualified student should be deterred by financial restraints from applying to Wheeling Country Day School, and families who feel they need assistance are encouraged to apply.

Do you provide Before and After Care programs?

Wheeling Country Day School offers Before School Care for students from 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM. 

After School Care is provided until 5:30 PM. 

Before and After Care are optional add-ons to your monthly tuition. 

Learn More About Before and After Care Programs

Application

Apply Now

Applying online is easy with WCDS. Complete and submit your online application. This application confirms your interest and prompts the school’s consideration of your child. You can download and submit the records release form if your child currently attends kindergarten or above. 

Schedule Your Visit

Schedule Now

The school takes great pride in the fact that the Head of School meets with each family to engage in a mission/philosophy conversation. Admissions Events offer this group opportunity or you can contact the Admissions Office for special arrangements. 

Experience WCDS by coming to the campus for an age-appropriate visit with faculty and peers. 

Diversity Statement

Learn More

WCDS seeks to purposefully build an environment that reflects and honors diversity. We honor the dignity of every human being, and we respect and value differences including but not limited to socioeconomics, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, and family composition. Our community is committed to ongoing dialogue, education, and reflection to develop understanding and inclusion of every member.

Experience WCDS

Schedule a School Tour or Classroom Visit

Observe our curious and engaged students and teachers in their classrooms and throughout our spacious campus with its grass playing field, classroom courtyard, and outdoor amphitheater. Sit in on classes that give great attention to a curriculum that matches the optimum times for learning within a child’s first ten years.

Upcoming Elementary Admission Events

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