Lower School Signature Experiences

List of 5 items.

• Friday Clubs

  Students in first through fifth grades participate in cross-grade level clubs on Friday afternoons.  For forty-five minutes each week, students can learn more about a new sport, a budding creative passion, or a STEM initiative. Friday clubs run year-round and include exciting offerings like Harry Potter Club, Marathon Club, Coding Club, and Friendship Club. 

• Independent Learning Days

  Beginning in Kindergarten, students at all grade levels participate in an Independent Learning Day during the school year.  These days are opportunities for students to delve further into their studies on a particular topic of interest and become an expert on their topic of choice.  Independent Learning days culminate in a showcase to the community where projects and research are shared.  This process of deep exploration enhances intellectual curiosity as students gain increased independence and stretch themselves academically.

• SEL (Social Emotional Learning)

  Lower School students build their skills in self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, relationship skills, and social awareness through dedicated lessons in Social and Emotional Learning, based on the CASEL framework. Our intentional focus on close, nurturing relationships among faculty and students build a close-knit community where children have the freedom to grow and thrive.  

• Small Group Instruction

  Small group instruction is a hallmark of our academic experience with groups running daily in literacy and math to meet the needs of all learners.  Work in small groups and focused one-to-one time with teachers improves academic achievement, relationships with classmates and faculty, and promotes well-being.

• We Love To Perform!

  We have many opportunities for stage time in Lower School. Opportunities for students to engage in performance and public speaking create confident, well-rounded learners. With multiple concerts each year as well as performances at assemblies our students get comfortable taking center stage at an early age.
  
  Beginning in first grade, each class performs a mini-musical each year.  Culminating in their fifth-grade year, students will stage a grade-level musical, which includes make-up, costumes, props, and choreography.