Lower School

Our curricular approach to literacy draws on the proven methodologies of both Teachers College Reading & Writing Project and Orton-Gillingham. By combining research-based strategies from Teachers College, students engage in meaningful and authentic reading experiences that promote comprehension, fluency, and critical thinking. At the same time, incorporating the structured, multisensory techniques of Orton Gillingham ensures that students receive targeted support in phonics, decoding, and spelling, empowering them to become proficient and confident readers. This integrated approach caters to the diverse learning needs of our students, creating a rich and effective learning environment where every child can succeed in their reading journey.

We incorporate University of Chicago's Everyday Mathematics Program to foster mathematical fluency, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. By combining hands-on activities, interactive learning tools, and real-world applications, our students build a strong foundation in mathematics that incorporates reasoning, modeling, and communicating mathematically to solve real-world problems.

Students engage in a comprehensive exploration of history, geography, and culture, beginning with lessons on diverse communities, traditions, and customs. As classes progress through the curriculum, they delve into historical events, significant figures, and the impact of different civilizations, fostering critical thinking and historical analysis. Geography lessons encompass map reading, landform analyses, and global comparisons, encouraging spatial awareness and understanding of the interconnected world.

With a focus on experiential learning, our science curriculum encourages a comprehensive and immersive study of the natural world and scientific principles. From investigating ecosystems and animal adaptations to exploring the human body and the marvels of physics, students actively participate in hands-on experiments, laboratory work, and outdoor explorations. They learn to think critically, analyze data, and apply the scientific method, fostering a strong foundation in scientific inquiry.

Students engage in biweekly Spanish language practice, participate in role-play activities, and work on interactive language exercises to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The curriculum introduces vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure progressively, ensuring students build a strong linguistic foundation. Cultural components include celebrations, traditions, and customs from Spanish-speaking countries, enabling students to develop cross-cultural understanding and global awareness.

Unique to our school culture is a profound love of song that unites our campus community across all grade levels. Our music curriculum contributes to this dynamic, as students explore various musical genres, learn to play instruments, and engage in choral and ensemble performances. Above all, we emphasize creativity, expression, and teamwork, empowering students to become confident musicians and instilling a sincere appreciation for the transformative power of music.

Students are introduced to a wide range of artistic techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpting, and mixed media. They study the works of renowned artists from different cultures and time periods, drawing inspiration from their styles and themes. Students actively participate in art projects that encourage self-expression and creativity, allowing them to experiment with colors, shapes, and textures. They learn to develop their artistic vision, work with various materials, and refine their skills through collaborative feedback in student-led "gallery talks."

Our PE classes follow the SPARK model— Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids—a research-based program designed to be inclusive, active, and developmentally engaging. We prioritize strategies to adapt games and activities to fit the physical abilities of all students. Students are assessed based on participation, cooperation, teamwork, enthusiasm, demonstrative abilities.