By Maddy Privasky

A 5th Grade girl’s day at Collegiate is anything but boring. It is a fast-moving mix of early mornings, packed schedules, constant laughter, and moments of chaos. It exists somewhere between childhood and growing up, between recess and responsibility, and between TikTok dances and skincare routines.

To better understand what this experience really feels like, I spent a day in early April shadowing a group of 5th Grade girls from the Class of 2033. I joined them for lunch, recess, and dance class, where I was able to see some of the most social and energetic parts of their day. During that time, they shared their thoughts openly, offering an honest glimpse into their routines, friendships, and the pressures of their first year in Middle School. 

By 6:30 a.m., alarms go off, although actually getting out of bed is a different story. “Sometimes it is closer to 6:45, and my mom has to come wake me up,” admitted Libby. Mornings are usually a struggle, especially when there is a test that day. She added, “I am always so tired, and if I know I have an assessment that day, it just makes getting out of bed even worse.” 

Even so, the morning routine at home quickly picks up speed. There is breakfast, getting dressed, packing backpacks, and making sure nothing important gets left behind. For some girls, there is also time for skincare, which has somehow become an essential part of the morning. “I always use Bubble and Glow Recipe,” Belle said. “It just makes me feel ready.” Influenced in part by platforms like TikTok, skincare has become a growing trend among younger age groups. Brands like Bubble Skincare and Glow Recipe are now common names in Middle School conversations, reflecting a shift from the simpler routines of Lower School to a more trend-aware environment. 

Athletic skirts paired with t-shirts and sneakers seem to be the unofficial Middle School uniform, a trend that appears everywhere in the hallways. Stanley water bottles are almost always nearby, and there is a constant buzz of conversation and laughter that follows the girls from one moment to the next. Their energy is unmistakable.

Once the school day begins, it does not slow down. Classes run on a roughly 45-minute schedule, moving quickly from subject to subject and keeping everyone on their toes. The pace is a noticeable shift from Lower School, but it also brings more independence and variety to each day. The day flows from two classes into advisory, which offers something different in the middle of all the structure. Some days it is used for lessons and reflection, while other days it becomes a space to talk, laugh, and connect as a group. After advisory, there is one more class before recess and lunch, followed by four more classes in the afternoon. It is a full day, but one filled with opportunities to learn, try new things, and stay engaged from start to finish. 

When asked about the different parts of the day, the girls had plenty to say. Addie did not hesitate: “Math is definitely the slowest.” Belle agreed that some classes can feel longer than others, especially during busy days. Still, perspectives can change. Taylor explained, “I did not like history at first, but now I actually think it is interesting.” Lessons on ancient Arabia have sparked curiosity, and there is excitement for what comes next. “Ancient Rome seems fun,” she added. Even the more challenging or slower moments are part of the experience, helping them discover new interests along the way.

Even within structured classes, certain moments stand out. Kahoot games instantly shift the energy, turning review into competition. “Kahoot is the best part of classes,” Addie exclaimed. French songs, group activities, and small breaks in routine are the moments that make the day feel lighter.

The most noticeable shift in energy came during dance class. In Middle School dance teacher Stacey Dudley’s room, everything changes the second the music starts. The girls spread out, warming up, talking, and laughing. With the dance concert approaching on Saturday, May 16 (at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in Oates Theater), there is a sense of excitement in the air. It is almost dance concert week, and everything feels a little more exciting. Costumes, hair, and makeup become just as important as the choreography. “It is really fun, because we get to make our own dances within our whole piece,” Libby explained. Taylor added, “It is a brain break, and I love to dance!” “It does not even feel like school,” another girl chimed in. More than anything, dance offers a release, not just from the schedule, but from the academic pressure that defines much of the day.

Recess comes before lunch, and it is one of the most energetic parts of the day. Outside the classroom, the focus shifts to friendships, laughter, and whatever is happening at recess. “We talk about boys,” Libby said, laughing, “but also sports, and dance, and everything.” They walk the track, make up dances, and play volleyball or soccer together. Being a good friend, they say, comes down to one thing: trust. Belle explained: “A friend does not share your secrets.” Even in the middle of these light moments, there is a growing awareness of what truly matters.

Middle School lunch. Photo credit: Maddy Privasky.

Lunch feels like its own world. McFall Hall buzzes with noise as conversations overlap. Some girls unpack homemade lunches: pasta in thermoses, fruit, and snacks, while others line up for pizza or whatever is offered. The liveliness does not slow down much, even indoors, as the chatter jumps from one topic to the next, filled with giggles.

Alongside that awareness comes the pressure of schoolwork. “Studying is too stressful for our brains,” Addie said. When asked what they would change, the answers come rapidly: no homework and a shorter week. Libby suggested, “Monday through Thursday school, and Friday through Sunday weekend.” 

After school, the day is far from over. Many try to finish their homework right away. Taylor expressed, “I just want to get it done and not have to worry about it later.” Then come activities: dance, gymnastics, soccer, and horseback riding. These are not just ways to pass their time; they are a part of who these young Cougars are becoming.

If there were no homework at all, their idea of a perfect day is simple: “I’d go shopping at Sephora,” Libby said. Addie chimed in, “And go squishy hunting for NeeDoh fidget toys.” NeeDoh fidget toys, part of a trend that has spread quickly across schools and social media, are often tucked into backpacks or passed between friends. In these small details, it is clear that they are still kids, even as they begin to grow up.

Their futures already feel real. “I want to be a gymnast,” Taylor said. “A professional ballerina and a nurse,” Libby added. “A Broadway dancer,” Belle said, then paused. “Or maybe an interior designer.” “Definitely a basketball player,” Addie finished.

There is excitement in what lies ahead. Taylor said excitedly, “I am really excited for VGF! The lip sync battle is going to be so fun!” All of the girls agreed, clearly looking forward to it and thrilled to do it together.

If they could instantly master anything, the answers came just as easily: “A back tuck,” Belle said, and “Just being the best dancer.”

A 5th Grade girl’s day at Collegiate is more than just a schedule. It is a constant balance between pressure and joy, and between who they are now and who they are becoming. They are still kids, still dreaming, and not in quite as much of a rush to grow up as it may seem, even as they continue to change and figure out who they are.