4^th Grade Humanities explores the meaning of leadership through substantive topics: the formation of our nation, the democratic process, current events, the Civil Rights Movement, and the history of Greenhill. 

Students read from a variety of genres; and they participate in literary discussions, oral and written response exercises, reading comprehension skill work, critical thinking assignments, creative book sharing projects, and independent reading. Reading comprehension skills are reinforced through classroom discussion, center activities, and written assignments.

Students explore writing through the Writer’s Workshop program. Students write often, with journaling as a springboard for all projects.  Assignments include research writing, biographies, a study of newspaper writing, narratives, and expository writing. Weekly lessons incorporate: vocabulary; grammar, usage, and mechanics; and spelling rules and patterns.

4^th Grade Math extends skills and concepts from the previous year. It also introduces new topics in each strand: Numeration (whole numbers through millions, decimals through thousandths, negative numbers to –20, and fractions; relations between fractions, decimals, percents; generating equivalent fractions); Operations and Computation (operations on multi-digit whole numbers and decimals; rounding; begin operations with fractions); Data and Chance (creating, reading, interpreting graphs; identifying landmarks in data sets; listing all possible outcomes; using fractions to quantify probabilities; using experimental results to make predictions); Geometry (locating points on a coordinate grid; drawing and measuring angles; classifying angles and lines; recognizing and using transformations; building, describing, and comparing 3-dimensional figures); Measurement and Reference Frames (measuring length, area, volume, time; calculating distance on scaled maps); Patterns, Functions, and Algebra (using letters and other symbols for unknowns; simplifying expressions containing parentheses; creating, extending, describing patterns; using some formulas; understanding and writing number models for number stories).

4^th Grade Science strengthens students' investigative skills while developing knowledge of science vocabulary, facts, and theories.  Units covered include: systems of the human body; vertebrate animals; conservation of natural resources; environmental studies; space exploration; rocks, minerals and volcanoes; chemical changes of matter; density of matter; natural disasters; collection of weather data; and making weather predictions.

4^th Grade Spanish continues to focus on oral and listening skills and improves reading proficiency. Students are introduced to reproducing the words in the printed form.  Students learn more about Latin American countries.

4^th Grade Art highlights interdisciplinary connections such as art and science, art and math, and art and humanities. It focuses on processes, techniques, and art history with intensive explorations in clay, collage, drawing, painting, and color theory; and exposure to the visual art of different cultures.

4^th Grade Music studies based on five conceptual areas (rhythm, melody, harmony, form and timbre) spark creativity and higher-level thinking skills. Vocal repertoire in other languages is introduced as well as two- and three-part ensemble singing. Students perform pieces using many different combinations of instruments, and create original dance and movement accompaniments to their instrumental and vocal pieces.   4^th Graders may join the Lower School Choir.

Physical Education students participate in various movement activities designed to promote motor and manipulative development, the understanding of a healthy lifestyle, and a positive self-image.  Emphasis is on enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction within movement experiences.  The curriculum includes an aquatics unit accenting proper stroke development, water safety, and self-confidence during swimming; and a climbing unit designed to promote handwriting skills.

During 4^th Grade Library time, the librarian reads aloud from the Bluebonnet List, and students vote on a winner. Students also review the arrangement of books in the library and work on search and retrieval techniques, among other skills.

4^th Grade Computer students improve keyboarding skills and continue working on word processing skills. They use the Internet to research various topics, visit specific web sites, and participate in interactive activities. They use various software programs for projects integrated with their academic studies, including Timeliner, Kidspiration, Word 2007, and PowerPoint 2007. They learn to use a digital camera and/or scanner.