LOWER SCHOOL

Fostering Curiosity and Developing the Whole Child

In Lower School, we have three divisions: Early Childhood, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary. Each division has different goals according to student growth and development in skills and maturity.

Senior Kindergarten - 5th Grade

Lower Elementary

Senior Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade

Fostering Curiosity and Establishing a Biblical Worldview

As children move from learning to read to reading to learn, reading comprehension becomes paramount. We use structured literacy, a comprehensive approach to literacy instruction which addresses all of the foundational elements critical for reading comprehension. We also understand the importance of a strong phonics program; to that end, we have integrated Orton-Gillingham into our classrooms. Using this method, we are able to capitalize on multi-sensory instruction, thereby meeting the various needs of our students based on their intrinsic learning preferences.

Upper Elementary

Third Grade, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade

Developing Higher Order Thinking Skills & Group Collaboration

We aim to cultivate students with the tools to think critically and independently for the rest of their lives. This requires an intentional approach with the goal of understanding rather than mere memorization. In these Upper Elementary grades, students learn to work collaboratively with one another, developing their interpersonal skills and fostering self-discovery.

LOWER SCHOOL CURRICULUM

LOWER SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Lower Elementary (SK, 1st, and 2nd)

In Lower Elementary, curriculum strategically aligns in all subject areas to focus on reading fluency and comprehension. This skill is paramount for children as they transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Our Lower Elementary teachers are proficiently trained in the Orton-Gilligham teaching method. This research-based multi-sensory method successfully integrates phonics, comprehension, handwriting, and spelling to best meet the needs of all types of learners, and in turn, produces excellent reading skills.

Children in this age group possess a God-given curiosity toward creation that teachers build upon using investigative and hands-on learning. Our math, science, and social studies curricula incorporate investigative and interactive teaching methods to aid in concept development. This engagement by multiple areas of the brain helps to solidify important concepts that will be built upon in the upper elementary grades and beyond.

Upper Elementary (3rd, 4th, and 5th)

The aim for Upper Elementary is to equip students with lifelong tools to think critically and independently. This requires an intentional teaching approach in all subject areas with the goal of understanding rather than mere memorization. Students learn to work collaboratively with others to develop interpersonal skills, value others’ giftings, and foster self-discovery.

The Upper Elementary Foundations and Frameworks reading program teaches students to create visual representations of literary concepts. Intriguing novels are paired with historical time periods to help reading and history come to life! Students are also exposed to various areas of science such as physics, biology, and engineering through experiential learning and the intentional incorporation of technology. Mathematics topics are tailored toward student readiness and are applied into real world situations. Upper Elementary students are also continually challenged to examine the world around them through a Christian Worldview by the study of the Bible in its entirety.