St. Luke's Unmissable Middle School is distinguished by a balance of traditional curriculum—emphasizing strong math, critical thinking, and writing skills—and curricular innovations such as Emerging Technology and Leading with Humanity. This combination prepares our youngest students to thrive throughout their years at SLS and beyond. Eighteen of our last twenty-four valedictorians and salutatorians started here in middle school.
Fifth Grade: The Wonder Year
Fifth graders are a special bunch. Sweet and curious. Silly one minute then suddenly willing and able to ponder the problems of the world. They are on the brink of a transition and must not be rushed. At. St. Luke's, they can feel safe and secure while having the opportunity to stick a toe into the Middle School waters. Small class sizes ensure that each student plays an active role in the learning process. Our goal is to make this a year of wonder. It is a time for children to discover they have a voice and a real contribution to make in class, to try new things and make friends that will last forever, and to begin discovering who they may one day like to be.
Starting in Fifth Grade Made All the Difference
Gretchen, St. Luke's Parent, Katonah, NY
I can't imagine a more nurturing entry into middle school than St. Luke's fifth grade. There is a magical combination of high expectations and warm support . . . students move into the upper grades feeling confident and ready for greater challenges. When friends ask about St. Luke's, I say: Go now."
Becoming Part of a Community While Developing Critical Skills
A sense of belonging is essential to the success and well-being of every student. St. Luke's fifth grade is a safe and secure bridge through the changes and occasional turbulence that accompany adolescence. From day one, teachers and students form trusting relationships. They create a haven that becomes a springboard into new adventures beyond the comforts and beautiful memories of the fifth-grade hallway.
The 5th Grade Experience
Recent Fifth Grade News
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Daphne '27 during her Eighth Grade Declamation
Vanessa Landegger-Antonioli, Parent of Daphne '27, Adrian ‘21, and Dylan ‘19
St. Luke’s Middle School fosters a remarkable amount of 'beginner’s mind.' The school promotes excellence and sets high expectations while simultaneously providing space for kids to make mistakes. And the teachers encourage growth intrinsically and organically."
Read the full interview with Vanessa about her SLS experience.
The Best of Both Worlds
The best of both worlds—fifth graders enjoy a dedicated wing and place to call their own, but also the opportunity to explore and engage in all that St. Luke’s offers—an extraordinary designLab, first-rate art studios, language labs, music recording studios, theater arts and a wide range of after-school clubs and activities. Here are some of the learning experiences fifth graders participate in throughout the school year.
Habits of Mind, Habits of Action
Our teachers understand what children need to be successful learners. They see each day as an opportunity to help students form habits and dispositions - some of which are listed below - that lead to day-to-day progress as well as long-term positive outcomes.
Positive Dispositions:
- Curiosity
- Resilience
- Empathy
- Confidence
- Initiative
- Independence
- Growth Mindset
- Love of Learning
- Responsibility
- Active Listening
- Self-Reflection
- Time Management and Organization
Katarina, St. Luke's Parent, Rowayton, CT
Fifth grade is a fundamental year here. The quality difference between my sons' experiences—one in public school and one here at St. Luke's—is enormous. So much more is expected of my son here, and that is what makes him such a good student today."
Meet Our 5th Grade Team
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Laura Jones
Science TeacherLaura joined SLS in 2024 as the 5th grade science and CS&E teacher. She comes to the Hilltop from Boca Raton, Florida, where she taught undergraduate biology labs while completing her master's degree in Marine Science and Oceanography at Florida Atlantic University. While there, she studied sharks in the FAU Elasmolab. Laura also spent time as a tutor, teaching marine science at the Florida Aquarium. She received her bachelor’s degree and a minor in education from Stetson University. Laura is passionate about science and is excited to bring her research and teaching skills into her classroom. For fun, Laura likes reading, being outside, doing DIY projects and crafts, and exploring local spots!
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Elaine Juran
English TeacherElaine earned a Master of Science in General Education and Reading, Writing, and Literature from Bank Street Graduate School of Education in 2012. Prior to entering the teaching profession, Elaine practiced law in the area of Intellectual Property. Elaine is also the parent of two St. Luke’s graduates (2015 & 2017).Elaine shared that she loves being a teacher at St. Luke’s “not only because the students are eager and curious learners, but also because of its collaborative, student-centered, and inclusive environment.”
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Rob Salandra
History TeacherRobert Salandra joined the St. Luke’s faculty in 2019 as an Upper School History Teaching Fellow. During the two years of his fellowship, he taught U.S. History in the Upper School, coached Junior Varsity soccer and Middle School basketball, and filled a maternity leave position in a Middle School History class. After completing his two-year fellowship, Robert joined the Middle School History Department as the 5th Grade History teacher, which is the position he currently holds at St. Luke’s. In addition to his J.V. soccer assistant coaching duties, Robert has launched the first-ever Middle School Quiz Bowl program at St. Luke’s and continues to grow that program with hopes of expanding it to the Upper School. In the summer of 2024, Robert launched the inaugural SLS Summer Day Camp as Camp Director.
Robert attended Fordham University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Philosophy. He then went on to receive his Master of Arts degree in Philosophy and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Before joining the St. Luke’s faculty, Robert worked as a Kindergarten and Second Grade teaching assistant at St. Stephen of Hungary School on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Born and raised in Fairfield, CT, Robert currently resides in Bridgeport with his wife Emma—who is also a 5th grade teacher—and their two sons, Albus and Brewster. Robert and Emma are both members of a local folk/rock band called Mountain Laurel, playing venues across the New York/Connecticut region.
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Melissa Zurkowski
Math TeacherMelissa has been teaching 5th-grade Humanities and Math at St. Luke's since 2006. Ever since Melissa was five years old, she knew that the teaching profession was where she would be the happiest. She believes that children are the seeds of the future, and it is her job, as the teacher, to provide these “seeds” with the proper nourishment they need to grow, achieve, and prosper. Melissa lives in Norwalk, CT with her husband, Jonathan, and two sons, Michael and Joseph. During her free time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching television, and reading.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
