Beyond the 3 "R's"

Social Studies curriculum is organized around “big ideas” that students encounter with increasing complexity as they move through the Lower School. How communities allocate resources can guide a first grade study of houses and homes, and similarly focus a fourth-grade study of Westward Expansion. By organizing units around questions first and then skills and content, we communicate to students that learning about the past is inquiry-based: by asking and exploring good questions, we delve deeper into the topic.

Science curriculum is a vital part of the Lower School curriculum. Instead of science experienced through a textbook, Lower School children in our “Exploratorium” science classroom investigate the natural world outside their classroom, generate questions and search for answers. Students begin to develop the skills and habits of minds to be active and engaged problem solvers in an increasingly complex world. As part of the science curriculum, the Lower School garden is a resource for understanding and appreciating the natural world, as well as a concrete way to focus on sustainability.

Lower School students begin studying Spanish in our early childhood program. The focus of language instruction is meaningful and purposeful communication, thus language classes are conducted primarily in Spanish with opportunities for students to understand and speak Spanish, with grammatical mastery following later. Students are regularly exposed to Spanish-speaking culture from around the world, past and present. Simulations such as ordering in a restaurant, asking for directions, and describing the weather simulate real-life conversations and promote a comfort level with speaking and a willingness to take risks as students learn a new language.

A well-rounded education includes extensive exposure to art and music. This allows in children to make connections across disciplines, developing interests and skills in a number of subjects and building a rich, expansive world view. Faculty trained in art and music education provide an integrated, vertical curriculum and teach in spaces specifically designed for these subjects. The time and space given to these subjects reflects the high value we place on these curricular areas as part of the Lower School experience, and helps children learn to express themselves outside of the classroom. In fifth-grade, the art and music curriculum culminates in a year-long, integrated “Creating Original Opera” program sponsored by the Metropolitan Opera.

Physical education classes provide a time for students to be active, to age-appropriately learn to problem solve, to collaborate and to develop motor and planning skills in the setting of traditional and non-traditional games. There is always an emphasis on having fun and learning about good sportsmanship.

There are specific technology skills at each grade level, and technology is embedded into all areas of the curriculum. Lower School students use technology in ways that support creativity, critical thinking, and promote the sharing of ideas in new and flexible ways. IPads and tablet PCs are readily available for students, and SMART boards, as well as wireless classrooms, facilitate the use of technology into all aspects of the classroom.

A well-coordinated library program and well-stocked library supports all areas of the Lower School curriculum. While each class has its own classroom library, additional resources in the library ensure the Lower School has ample literature to support a wide range of interests and curriculum topics. The librarian introduces readers to new genres, unfamiliar authors, contemporary texts and works closely with teachers to match books to readers and writers. To meet the needs and interests of young readers, the library pays close attention to both fiction and non-fiction.

For our students, social and emotional growth is every bit as important as their academic development. Growing up is full of challenges, and we try to take advantage of the learning that can happen during those teachable moments when things haven’t gone as well as they could have. We take much of our direction from the Responsive Classroom approach, which lays the groundwork for character education.

Our daily morning meetings provide the time, the structure and the common language necessary to explore the school’s six core values (Respect, Honesty, Judgment, Community, Courage and Commitment) in a context meaningful to our students. Learning through service to others is part of our students’ experiences each year.

Our fifth graders are buddies to preschool and kindergarteners and provide visible leadership for our Lower School. Fourth graders have their first grade buddies, and fourth grade boys and girls are mentored by Upper School volunteers during weekly single-sex lunch meetings. Second and third graders look forward to their regular meetings with their seventh grade buddies from the Middle School. Trust is the basis of a strong community like ours and is an essential foundation for promoting the social and emotional growth of all of our students.

Sometimes Support Is Needed

The Lower School is committed to meeting the needs of all of our students. Not only do we have a full-time registered nurse and a Lower School psychologist, but we also have two full-time language arts/student support specialists and a full-time mathematics specialist, all of whom work not only with students, but also with teachers and parents.

For our students, what goes on outside the classroom is as important as what goes on inside. Fresh air and exercise are important for young bodies and developing minds. The out-of-doors is a place to develop an appreciation for our natural world, to discover what hides under rocks, a place to play traditional and made-up games, to hang out with friends and sometimes just to sit and reflect. Regular trips to museums in New York City, the local Farmers’ Market, the local food bank and further afield build lasting memories and first- hand understanding of concepts introduced in the classroom. Optional after school programs can provide opportunities to extend learning and explore new interests.

We are fortunate that our Lower School is situated on a spacious 40+ acre campus. There are four distinct outdoor play areas immediately adjacent to the Lower School, with many more spaces around the larger campus. The Lower School has its own extensive gardens and runs its own composting and recycling programs.

Students regularly take trips that coordinate with what they are learning in their classes. Being situated in the New York metropolitan area means that we have access to a wealth of resources and trip destinations for our students.  In the fourth-grade, students begin what will be a yearly adventure of overnight trips, that will continue into their senior year. Our fourth graders visit Plimouth Plantation as part of their study of Pilgrims, and in fifth grade, students begin the year with a three day/ two night bonding experience at a YMCA camp in the Catskills.

The Lower School runs an Explorers Program that provides an extended day program until 6:00 p.m., as well as a selection of enrichment and homework helper classes, and sports clinics. There are also math teams and an after-school chorus program that meet weekly for grades three through five. The school offers a string program with individual lessons and ensemble play, culminating with several Lower School String Orchestra performances. Individual instrumental music lessons are also available through the school’s Music Lesson Program.