Our Lower School’s academic program challenging and highly individualized, allowing each student to receive the appropriate guidance. The curriculum is balanced with social and emotional learning, and encourages students' self-initiated discoveries. Our specialized educators apply their understanding of each child’s unique learning profile and pattern of development to ensure they master the knowledge and improve their grade level skills, carefully guiding them every step of the way.
Our program draws its inspiration from the Project Approach, a teaching technique developed by leading educators Lilian Katz and Sylvia Chard. We include this technique in our educational method by organizing core subjects into workshops where creative thinking is encouraged. We see our students excel by participating in hands-on learning activities in small classes that maintain low student-teacher ratios.
Through service learning and a collaborative classroom setting, students are encouraged to tap into their innate curiosity and passion for exploring their world, creating an excitement for learning.
Life in Lower School
The regular school day begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m., Monday through Friday. Before School Care is available starting at 7:15 a.m. and After School Care until 6:00 p.m.
Here’s a look into a typical day for our Lower School students:
- Morning Meeting: This is a special time where students and teachers greet one another, share news, and discuss the upcoming day’s activities. On Fridays, the entire Lower School joins together for Morning Meeting.
- Instruction: Classroom instruction includes workshops in reading, writing, research, math, science, foreign language, art, music, and physical education.
- Buddy Time: Students engage with their older or younger buddies to do projects, art activities, literacy activities, or service in the community.
- Closing Circle: Students come together to report or reflect upon the day’s learning.
- Chapel: Lower and Middle School students gather for a brief chapel once a week.
- Enrichment Programs: Students in 1st through 4th Grade have the opportunity to enhance their educational experience through a variety of enrichment programs.