Curriculum

Our comprehensive curriculum goes beyond the basics, challenging students to think critically, solve problems creatively and explore their interests. Students are highly engaged in their learning during whole group, small group, partner, and individual work. There are two teachers - a lead teacher and an associate teacher - in each homeroom classroom. Drawing from years of experience and expertise as elementary educators, students benefit from teachers’ abilities to provide small group instructional models and target student’s individual interests to ensure each child meets their full potential. 

As the rigor and content increase each year, the children continue to develop their stamina, independence and executive functioning skills. We provide a well rounded education that develops the whole child

Math/ss/science/related arts

In addition to core academic coursework, our robust related arts curriculum includes fine arts, foreign language, physical education, and religious instruction. Both visual arts and music are taught by faculty members who are experts in those fields and who work exclusively with our younger students. All Lower School students take Spanish, and have P.E. each week. Our weekly chapel gatherings help students learn the stories of the Hebrew scriptures and New Testament in an age-appropriate way, while respecting the faith traditions of all peoples.

Exhibition of Mastery

Each Lower School grade level culminates the year with an interdisciplinary project to apply reading, writing, research, and critical thinking skills. The process includes engagement across the curriculum. Students work in the library to engage with research tools to learn about their topic. In art, the teachers assists with the creation of visual mediums and displays and in music the teacher incorporates songs and practice with speaking before an audience. Students present their learning to their teachers and family members at an exhibition of learning to demonstrate mastery of their topic. 

Project Based Learning

LEAP Week (Learning, Engagement, Action, Possibilities) is one week, each year, when the regular day to day scheduled curriculum is postponed for part of the day to give students the opportunity to explore other interests and discover new passions. Voice and choice are incorporated into the week-long initiative that allows students to select activities to explore and experience that deviate from their everyday routine of studies and may be sponsored by a teacher from a different grade level. Outside experts are invited to campus to share with students from authors to artists. Students derive new purpose and intention for their learning through discovering and enriching their new passions. Topics include themes related to the environment and the science on campus, musical and theater performances, engineering and design thinking. 

Town Hall and Chapel 

Lower School students come together twice each week to build community and engage in fellowship  across the grades. Town Hall is a weekly assembly in the Auditorium where classes share on stage, students enjoy competing in “Minute to Win it” competitions, and community goals are highlighted. 

Each week, students process across campus to attend Lower School Chapel. The developmentally appropriate service incorporates rituals specific to the Episcopal foundations of the school’s mission and also foster a sense of community, connection and belonging. Students participate in call and response, sing hymns, and celebrate birthdays each week. 

Community is at the heart of our Lower School, and experiences like Reading Buddies, which pair younger and older students, help build strong relationships across grade levels while reinforcing a love of learning and leadership.

Comprehensive Student Services & Support

Lower School students benefit from individualized attention that promotes academic growth and personal development:

• Academic Support: Targeted help for students needing extra guidance.
• Counseling & Guidance: Support for social-emotional growth and peer relationships.
• Library & Research Skills: Encouraging independent reading, research, and inquiry.
   

Enriching School Life

Lower Schoolers participate in programs that foster curiosity and social responsibility:

• Outdoor Learning & PE: Engaging activities that promote fitness and teamwork.
• Community Service Projects: Opportunities to contribute to local initiatives.
• Mentorship: Students learn from student mentors from the Middle School and Upper School through programs like Book Buddies and cross-divisional events, fostering leadership and friendship across age groups.
   

Technology

Our students in grades 1 – 4 participate in a 1:1 iPad program, our teachers have access to interactive instructional tools and web services, and the classrooms have shared devices that promote hands-on learning with the personalization that technology can offer. We understand that integrating technology into the classroom is a delicate balance, so we try to incorporate technology in age-appropriate ways that serve our students well.