Lower School

Learning in the Lower School is focused on a core foundation of strong reading, writing, and mathematics skills while developing good character and exposure to a broad range of subjects and skills. We nurture in our young learners a renaissance mindset characterized by curiosity, intellectual exploration, and a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.

More about the Lower School Curriculum

The Lower School offers single-gender classroom education in all grades to better meet our students’ needs. When appropriate, we educate boys and girls differently based on physiological and neurological development at each age. There are intentional moments throughout the day and week when classes mix and work on skills like respect, polite manners, and cultivating friendships.  

Good manners are essential in our Lower School. From learning how to shake hands to the importance of presenting oneself well, students learn and exercise good character as daily practice. 

Our students begin to build resilience. They build confidence by having positive experiences. Students will feel the natural trepidation of trying new things and taking risks, but behind the scenes, adults are ensuring that every student is prepared and supported so that growth and learning are successful and rewarding. 

We are purposeful in our progressive addition of technology to the Lower School curriculum. Developmentally, we value the importance of the graphomotor skills learned when using pencil and paper. We also know our students are growing into a world that requires them to be technology savvy. Because many students access screens outside of school, we aim for our youngest learners to have an unplugged experience. Our older Lower School students begin to use computers in the classroom to enhance their learning and prepare for their Middle and Upper School years where technology is key to daily learning.