Students in the Lower School are respected as individuals as they learn academic skills through active involvement in a variety of experiences. While learning to work with others, they have many opportunities to develop their social-emotional skills. All children are encouraged to reach their potential and to solve problems as cooperative, confident, and responsible learners.
Our teachers utilize research-based strategies to promote neurological learning readiness. These strategies are part of a program called NeuroNet which uses rhythmic exercises, emphasizing speaking and writing on-time, to help children automate essential information while providing a solid foundation for developing reading, writing, and math skills. The curriculum includes language arts, math, science, social studies and geography, both as separate subjects, and interwoven within purposefully crafted interdisciplinary units. Children have many opportunities to read, write, compute and create.
Lower School students develop a deep appreciation of literature. From an early age they listen to stories, participate in book discussions, write their own stories, and visit the Lower School library at least once a week. Whether reading for pleasure or researching their own questions, they value books.
While the Lower School's language arts curriculum is centered on teaching children how to read, write, and express themselves, the math curriculum focuses equally on number sense, computation, application and problem solving. Carefully planned lessons help students understand how mathematical concepts apply to their everyday lives. Children work independently and in cooperative groups as they use their mathematical knowledge to solve real world problems. Explaining their thinking enhances concept development and mental math activities develop confidence and automaticity.
In addition, each grade level has traditional celebrations, student presentations, field trips and guest speakers. Each grade level also has the flexibility to plan meaningful, timely, student-centered units of study.
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Throughout Lower School, art and music nurture creativity. Physical education programs enhance coordination, flexibility, strength, and sportsmanship. Songs, poems, stories and games introduce children to the French language and encourage appreciation of diverse cultures. Performance opportunities within individual classes and before the school community help to build confidence.
Technology is an educational tool. Computers with internet access are available in each classroom, the library and the computer lab. Beginning in third grade, students visit the Lower School computer lab for keyboarding and for guidance in using technology to enhance their experiences with the Lower School curriculum.
School-sponsored sports begin with basketball in fourth grade. Volleyball and track are added in fifth grade.
Through a multitude of imaginative and meaningful activities and projects, our Lower School students enter Middle School with a solid foundation in basic skills, the confidence to think and solve problems creatively, and the social skills to work cooperatively.
The Lower School consists of grades one through five. There are three sections of 15 to 18 students at each grade level. Classes are held in the original education wing of Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 4400 North Shartel and in the Lower School Activity Center and Fifth Grade Loft located at 701 Northwest 43 Street. The school day begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. Before-school care starts at 7:45 a.m. and those who attend After School Club may stay until 5:50 p.m.