In Their Own Words: The Transition from Fourth to Fifth Grade

The transition from fourth to fifth grade is a big moment at our School. It is the year our students move from Lower School into Middle School—from one teacher anchoring their day to navigating multiple classrooms, schedules, and expectations. It’s the year our students really begin to discover what independence feels like—not as an idea, but as a daily experience. 

Recently, I sat down with fifth-grade students Cullen Mooney and Amira Jones to ask them about it in their own words. Cullen has been part of the All Saints’ community since Lower School. Amira joined us this year, navigating a new school and a new grade level at the same time.

Both Cullen and Amira led with some of the expectations and nerves you’d expect—especially around different classes and schedules.  

When I asked Amira how fifth grade is different from fourth grade day-to-day, her first answer was switching classes. “There’s a lot more moving around,” she said. “In fourth grade, we usually had the same classes and schedule every day, but now we switch classes. Also, in fifth grade, I might have the same classes on two days, but the order will be different.” 

“I did not expect myself to be able to learn my schedule and get to classes on time,” Cullen said, “But we do have more time than we think.”

“At first it was a bit more stressful,” Amira said. “I had to memorize my schedule, and I didn't know where all of my classes were, but that was also okay because the first two months were months of grace, so teachers didn’t give reminder cards for being late because we were adjusting.”

Amira shared how the fifth-grade schedule has started to make her feel more independent. “I have to keep track of my own stuff,” she said. I’ve also had to learn to manage my time. After recess, I have to hurry and get my things and make sure I get to class on time. Especially if my locker is really far away from my class.”

Cullen

Cullen came into fifth grade with some expectations—and some warnings. “I thought it was going to be super strict, but I also felt like it would be a lot more fun because I’d have a lot more freedom and independence,” Cullen said. “I was a little nervous that it would be hard, but teachers were really inviting and open to help.”

His older siblings, one who graduated from All Saints’ two years ago and one set to graduate next month, told him that essay writing would be a much bigger part of his schoolwork than in Lower School. He was a little nervous about more writing, but told me it was easy to get into once he met his teachers, who helped him recognize his strengths and areas for growth.

One thing that stood out to me is that Cullen is already developing an understanding of who he is as a learner. He mentioned that some classes or assignments may take a little more time and effort than others. He’s learning to budget his time, problem-solve, and ask for help when he needs it. He’s also starting to see the shift to more in-depth learning in each subject. “Lower School teachers were still teaching you, but it was almost like more of trying to teach you life lessons,” Cullen said. “This year is more subject-specific.”

What I found most striking was how he described his new relationship with struggle. In Lower School, he said, if he felt like he messed up on a problem, his first reaction would be to go to his parents or maybe a teacher for help. “Now, if I see something I can’t figure out, I can check my notes or think about it for a minute; if not, then I know I need to get help,” he told me.

According to Cullen, the first trimester was about learning the basics, the second pushed him harder, and by the third, he said, things started to feel lighter. He places the moment things clicked somewhere between the end of the first trimester and the start of the second. “I realized this is the real deal now,” he said, a quiet realization that this chapter of school was serious, and that he could handle it.

His advice to any fourth grader nervous about the jump? “It’s okay to be nervous. You’d rather think it’s going to be harder than it is, than easier.”

Amira

Amira walked into fifth grade carrying two transitions at once: a new school and a new grade level. She described feeling excited, impatient, and nervous all at the same time—which, if you have ever started somewhere entirely new, sounds exactly right.

She had thought middle school would be like the movies. “It’s not entirely not like that,” she said. “Some parts are that way. There are different groups of friends and lots of things going on at once.” But mostly it was different—more activities in PE than she had ever had, Spanish class for the first time, and, thankfully, the homework wasn’t as overwhelming as she thought it might be.

Coming into fifth grade, Amira shared that she was a little nervous about making new friends, but she was happy to report that the friends she has made this year have been really supportive and helpful. “I ended up making good friends who want to help me be better,” she said. “My friends and I make sure we are making good choices and help each other.”

A long-time basketball enthusiast, Amira was excited to participate in fifth-grade girls' basketball this year. Playing gave her an opportunity to hone her skills and also boost her confidence. “I knew I was athletic, but it turns out I was one of the best on my team!” she shared. “I can adapt quickly when I learn things.”

When I asked Amira what she was most excited about for the rest of her middle school journey, her answer underscored one of the things that makes All Saints’ unique—our experiences outside of the classroom. “I’m most excited for the field trips,” she said. “This year I’ve already been on great ones like visiting St. Mary’s Food Bank and going roller skating, things I never would have done at my old school. I like our field trips because we are actually learning something while we’re there or helping in some way; they’re just a great experience.”

Amira had a ton of great advice for all incoming fifth-grade students. “Don’t be scared, and make sure you try your best in everything because it’s really going to help,” she said. “Make sure to study for tests, because it can really bring your grade down if you don’t. Use the two months of grace the teachers give you to learn and adapt. You should always be trying to learn.”

Cullen and Amira arrived at fifth grade from very different starting points. One had years of All Saints’ behind him; the other was learning everything at once. And yet, what I hear underneath both of their stories is the same thing: a willingness to sit with challenge, figure out what they actually needed, and keep going.

That ability to adapt and trust yourself through an uncomfortable stretch is something we can’t just teach our students. It has to be built over time. Conversations like these remind me why the work of this community matters so much, and why I feel grateful every day to be part of it.

Thank you, Cullen and Amira, for talking with me so honestly. I cannot wait to see what you will have to say in sixth grade!