Our faculty teach students, through guided discovery and inquiry, to build a solid foundation in reading, writing and mathematics, explore and better their understanding of the world around them through science and social studies, discover their creative talents through music and art, and grow as responsive and responsible citizens through our social curriculum, Responsive Classroom.
Lower School Highlights
- Science, music, art, drama, chorus, French, physical education, and library classes are taught in separate classrooms and buildings.
- Reading program blends techniques from phonics and whole-language methodologies.
- Reading classes provide exposure to such forms of literature as picture books, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
- Creative and expository writing is introduced.
- Reading and math are taught in small groups designed for different learning styles.
- Mathematics classes emphasize mental math, understanding concepts through practice, real-life problem solving, and learning through games and the use of manipulatives.
- Social Studies classes focus on different cultures (Japan, exploring art, traditions, food, and language; and Mexico, with a fiesta presentation) and famous individuals (third-graders read a biography and, dressed as their chosen subject, give a presentation in the first person).
- Science taught in the science lab stresses learning by doing, and includes topics in life, environmental, physical, earth, and natural sciences. The campus nature trail and pond provide hands-on learning opportunities for exploring native plants and animals.
- French program enables students to become comfortable hearing and speaking another language through games, rhymes, songs and stories.
- Peer reading program pairs Lower School students with Kindergarten or Middle School partners.
- Power Buddies program partners students in grades K–3 to provide friendship opportunities across ages.
- Technology instruction begins in Grade 3.