Our goal in the Lower School is to help each girl become a capable, confident, and caring child. We value the joys of childhood, and we believe that young children should be challenged not stressed. Most of all we believe that gentleness and kindness are learned behaviors and best taught through modeling.

The major goal of the instructional program in the Lower School is to continue the development of readiness skills and attitudes started in the kindergarten. Some of these skills are listening and being able to learn in a group situation, perceptual and auditory discrimination, perseverance,taking risks, vocabulary development, socialization, and emotional control. 

The academic program is designed to enable a smooth transition to each subsequent grade. Programs are designed to be properly sequenced in the core curriculum and in the special subjects.

Core Curriculum Subjects

• Math
• Reading and Language Arts
• Language Arts (Grammar, Composition, Spelling, Speaking, Handwriting)
• Science
• Social Studies/Geography

Special Subjects Included in Lower School Curriculum  

• Art emphasizes experimentation, self-expression and the creative process
• Ballet assists in the development of coordination and teaches the joy of movement
• Bible features stories from the Old and New Testaments that are applicable in today's world
• Computer develops confidence and skills to use computers as a learning tool
• Foreign language involves the learner in a technique called TPR, Total Physical Response. Spanish vocabulary and grammar are presented kinesthetically, aurally, verbally, visually, and literally to grades one through four.
• Library encourages the love of books and the use of the library as a learning center
• Music which uses developmentally appropriate Orff Schulwerk and choral experiences
• Physical Education enhances coordination, strength, self-control and cooperation