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.
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.
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.
Edge at Wheeling Country Day School is an on-campus instruction center for students with language-based learning differences.
For students ready to graduate from Second Grade, Wheeling Country Day School offers exceptional Third Grade education.
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.
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.
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.
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.