Intermediate School
Grades 5-6
The Intermediate School program at Heritage Christian School meets students during an important season of growing independence, responsibility, and self-awareness. In a Christ-centered learning environment, our teachers encourage students to think critically, take ownership of their learning, and continue building strong academic and spiritual foundations.
Whether students have been part of Heritage for years or are joining our community for the first time, our Intermediate School provides intentional support, meaningful relationships, and engaging opportunities that help students grow with confidence and purpose as they prepare for middle school.
A Closer Look at Intermediate School
Get to know the heart behind our Intermediate School, which serves students in Indianapolis, IN for grades 5 and 6, and catch a glimpse of student life on campus. From leadership and discipleship to classrooms and community, these videos highlight what makes this season at Heritage unique.
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Academics & Curriculum Overview
The Intermediate School at Heritage is designed as a developmental bridge between elementary and middle school, challenging students academically while grounding their learning in a strong biblical worldview.
Students learn in a dedicated building and rotate between two to three core teachers for different subjects. They begin using lockers and enjoy daily recess, creating a balance of growing independence and age-appropriate support as expectations increase.
Our teachers intentionally guide students as they take on greater responsibility, helping them build organization, confidence, and strong learning habits.
Students in grades 5 and 6 engage in core academic subjects alongside scheduled elective coursework designed to broaden skills and interests. This combination of traditional academics and elective experiences supports critical thinking while allowing students to explore new areas in a structured, supportive environment.
Core Academic Courses
All intermediate students participate in the following required courses:
- Bible
- Language Arts
- Mathematics (Watch Video)
- Science
- Social Studies
Elective Courses
In addition to core coursework, intermediate students have opportunities to explore a variety of elective courses. Offerings have previously included:
- Art
- Biblical Literacy
- Physical Education
- STEM
- PowerUp
STEM in Intermediate School
In Intermediate School, STEM is taught through a dedicated 7-week “specials” course that meets daily. Our primary curriculum, Discovery Education STEM Connect, helps students tackle real-world challenges while developing the “4Cs” of STEM: communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
Students who want to go further can also choose to participate in VEX IQ Robotics, where teams build engineering and programming skills while growing in teamwork and problem-solving.
The Media & Innovation Center (MIC) serves as the hub for STEM learning and is the home base for engineering, computer science, and our championship robotics program. Equipped with specialized tools, technology, and collaborative workspace, the MIC supports applied learning through design, experimentation, and problem-solving.
Educational Support Services
Heritage recognizes that students learn in different ways and at different paces. Our Educational Support Services (ESS) team partners with teachers and families to support students who may benefit from additional academic guidance or targeted skill development.
At the intermediate level, support may focus on areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, organization, and study skills. ESS teachers work collaboratively with classroom teachers to reinforce instruction, build confidence, and help students develop strategies that support independence and long-term success.
Discipleship in Intermediate School
Discipleship in Intermediate School is rooted in intentional, faith-informed relationships that help students begin owning their faith as they grow in independence and maturity. Teachers and staff integrate biblical truth throughout the school day, guiding students to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, and apply a biblical worldview to both academic content and everyday life.
Through weekly chapels, classroom discussions, mentorship, and daily interactions, students are challenged to live out their faith with purpose, integrity, and compassion. Discipleship at this stage focuses on helping students understand why they believe what they believe and how to live faithfully in the world around them.
Fine Arts in Intermediate School
Fine arts are a meaningful part of the intermediate experience at Heritage.
In addition to a visual arts class, every 5th and 6th grade student participates in a music class of their choice (choir, band, strings, or general music), creating space for students to grow in skill, confidence, and creative expression.
Intermediate students also have opportunities to share what they’ve learned through performances, including spring concerts for band, strings, and choir.
Athletics for Grades 5-6
Intermediate students in grades 5 and 6 have opportunities to grow through athletics in a Christ-centered environment. Students may participate in competitive youth sports, and some sixth graders may also be eligible for select middle school athletic teams, depending on the sport and season.
Whether through youth sports or school teams, athletics at Heritage emphasize skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and character growth.
Clubs & Organizations
Intermediate students have opportunities to explore interests and build skills beyond the classroom through a variety of clubs and activities.
Students may participate in offerings such as Robotics, Mock Trial, and other clubs focused on faith, enrichment, recreation, and the arts, with additional opportunities becoming available as students prepare for middle school.
Parent Community & Involvement
We believe education is most effective when families and schools work together, and parent involvement is an important part of life at Heritage. Throughout the year, families stay connected through regular communication, school events, and shared experiences that strengthen relationships between students, parents, and teachers.
The Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) plays a key role in building community by supporting teachers, welcoming families, and organizing opportunities for connection across the school. Parents are invited to be involved in ways that fit their season of life, whether that means simply attending events or volunteering as opportunities arise.
Traditions in Intermediate School
Intermediate students participate in meaningful school traditions that connect them to the broader Heritage community. Traditions involving 5th and 6th graders include events such as the Back-to-School Bash, PTF Fun Run, 5th Grade Basketball Tournament, Homecoming Week, and Christmas Chapel. These shared traditions help students build belonging, school pride, and a strong sense of community during an important transitional stage.
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Intermediate School Frequently Asked Questions
- What if my child is new to Heritage in grades 5 or 6?
- Why does Heritage have an intermediate school instead of a traditional elementary/middle school model?
- How do teachers communicate with parents about student progress?
- How is faith integrated into daily life in intermediate school?
- How can I get more information about intermediate school at Heritage?