Families who begin their experience in the Lower School realize early that they are members of a safe, caring community. Parents are encouraged to be on campus and students often don’t want to leave at the end of the day. Teachers strive to create a sense of self-esteem, competency, safety and respect in their students. Positive social interactions are encouraged through sharing, cooperating, and communicating.
Starting in pre-kindergarten, the curriculum focuses on developing fundamental skills in language, math, social studies, and science through projects and activities that encourage imagination and curiosity. During the last week of each school year, classrooms are transformed into educational environments that help students gain a deeper understanding of a specific subject. For example, students become astronauts as they learn about space exploration among handmade planets, a room-sized rocket ship, and a star tunnel. The fully integrated curriculum encourages a love of learning that endures.
Lower School students also learn early on that community service is valued. Children visit nursing homes, go to guide dog school, and donate gifts for the needy during the holidays. School culture is also enhanced with special celebrations including the Halloween Hootenanny, Thanksgiving Feast, Lessons and Carols, Wonder Women and Super Men days. Academic field trips and Lower School chapel enrich the learning process.
