Fifth graders have gained a measure of self-assurance with the accumulation of experience and academic skills. Little do they know that they stand at the fulcrum point between childhood and adulthood, and the coming onset of adolescence will bring more opportunities to grow through the struggle of major life transitions. Fifth grade students study the Greek myths, and often reenact the Pentathlon as part of their studies. To get a feel for fifth grade, imagine a student preparing to (beautifully) throw a javelin – fifth grade would be the moment when the arm has withdrawn in preparation for launching (into puberty, in this case). 
Students study the world with the capacity for objectivity that emerged in fourth grade. This year botany is a major block of study, and students practice observing the world with focus. The world around can be viewed anew as students discover previously hidden properties of plants.
Geography expands outward as students study North American geography. Decimals and percentages are introduced to complement the fifth grader’s knowledge of fractions. Students also begin to study geometry and combine aesthetics and math to create freehand geometric forms.