The atmosphere in the lower school is one of exuberance!
Just a glance into each classroom reveals the buzz and the energy that bounce back and forth between our teachers and their students. The classrooms are warm and bright and display the many creative works of the students. The support and guidance of our nurturing teachers lead students to feel like part of a family and to accept the responsibilities and privileges that come with each grade.
The lower grades are self-contained allowing for flexibility in the schedule. Generally, each class devotes two periods a day to language arts and one period to math with additional “math moments” incorporated into the day. Classroom teachers also teach social studies, history or geography two to three times a week. The science program is taught by the classroom teachers in JK and K, while the lower school science teacher works with grades 1-4. Instruction in core academic subjects is often in small groups with every effort made to meet the needs of each student. Children are taught how to work together as well as how to take responsibility for completing assignments in and out of class. Every effort is made to provide instruction that is challenging, creative and active. Children look forward to field trips that enrich their learning, in addition to special projects, activities, and of course, their annual class play. In addition to core academic subjects, each grade has at least two special classes a day in physical education, art, music, technology, library or Spanish. There are two 15-minute recesses a day on a separate playground with age appropriate equipment. We believe that elementary school children need time to relax and play in order to stay focused in class.