They study both American geography and botany, including a look at vegetation in other parts of the world.

In mathematics, fractions and decimals are studied.

History has until now been only pictorial or personal in nature, with no attempt made to introduce exact temporal concepts or to proceed in strict sequences. Now however, history becomes a special main lesson subject, as does geography. Ancient history in the fifth grade starts with the childhood of civilized humanity in ancient India, where human beings were dreamers. The ancient Persian culture that followed the Indian felt the impulse to transform the earth, till the soil, domesticate animals while helping the sun god conquer the spirit of darkness. The great cultures of Mesopotamia (the Chaldeans, the Hebrews, the Assyrians, and the Babylonians) reveal the origins of written language on clay tablets. The Egyptian civilization of pyramids and pharaohs precedes the civilization of the Greeks.

Every means is used to give the children a vivid impression of these five ancient cultures. They read translations of poetry, study hieroglyphic symbols of the Egyptians, and try their hands at the arts and crafts of the various ancient peoples. History is an education of the childrens feelings rather than of their memory for facts and figures.

Through studies in art, science, government, and gymnastics, children have an opportunity to experience the balanced harmony and beauty of the Greeks. In the spring there is a Greek pentathlon where fifth grade students from several Waldorf schools in the region come together. Grace, beauty, form and sportsmanship are lauded along with individual achievements of speed and accuracy.
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