Students in grade five study the development of the nation up to 1850, with an empha­sis on the people who were already here, when and from where others arrived, and why they came. Students learn about the colonial government founded on Judeo- Christian principles, the ideals of the Enlightenment, and the English traditions of self- government. They recognize that ours is a nation that has a constitution that derives its power from the people, that has gone through a revolution, that once sanctioned sla­very, that experienced conflict over land with the original inhabitants, and that experi­enced a westward movement that took its people across the continent. Studying the cause, course, and consequences of the early explorations through the War for Indepen­dence and western expansion is central to students’ fundamental understanding of how the principles of the American republic form the basis of a pluralistic society in which individual rights are secured.

Students will learn about our land before Columbus. They will also learn about the journey of exploration and the colonies.

Desiree Maldonado, Elementary Teacher, Method Schools