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Lower School

Students working together

Once upon a time, elementary education was like being on a tour bus. You watched as subjects passed by and you tried to remember what you saw. Times have changed, though—nowhere more than at SSSAS, where the Lower School experience is interactive, interdisciplinary, and invigorating. Children are agents of their own learning, making choices, asking questions, exploring deeply, and reflecting on their experiences.

Why Early Education Matters

The early years are a time of incredible growth—socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Our youngest Saints are naturally curious, and we honor that by creating joyful, hands-on experiences that help them explore, question, and wonder.

With small class sizes and dedicated early childhood educators, every child is seen, known, and supported. We focus on developing confidence, empathy, and essential skills—academic and social—through meaningful routines, guided play, and strong relationships. These early experiences shape how children see themselves as learners and community members, setting the stage for future success.

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Lower School Learning Experience

Our Lower School program offers a joyful, age-appropriate journey through each grade level—from our Early Saints preschool program for 3-year-olds through fifth grade. Click on a grade below to discover six key highlights from each year’s curriculum. You’ll get a glimpse into the engaging projects, core skills, and signature learning experiences that shape a strong foundation for future learning.

Inside Our Early Years Program

Our Early Years program is comprised of Early Saints preschool for three- and four-year-olds (full-day program), Junior Kindergarten for four- and five year-olds and Kindergarten for our five- and six-year-olds.

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  • We offer an exciting introduction to school! Led by two early education experts and inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, it is student-centered, parent-partnered, and research-based. 
     
  • Teachers employ the Singapore Math Developing Roots curriculum consisting of interactive activities and games that develop flexible thinking, important in developing mathematical skills.
     
  • Students are introduced to Orton–Gillingham which is our phonics program. This literacy approach teaches reading and spelling skills by breaking learning down into smaller pieces involving letters and sounds and then builds on these skills over time. They are also engaged in the Heggerty curriculum which focuses on phonological awareness skills - the sounds of letters.
     
  • Our faculty are certified in early education, supplemented by specialists in art, library, music, science, Spanish, religion, and PE. Wherever children go—from their homeroom class to the natural outdoor classroom, around the Lower School campus or the local area on field trips—they are immersed in experiential learning.

Explore Our Curriculum

Our curriculum emphasizes foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, while also introducing abstract thinking through integrated studies in social studies and science. Starting with our youngest learners, we help students develop strong work habits and organizational strategies. With a focus on differentiated instruction, teachers provide the right level of support and challenge for every student—ensuring that each child builds confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Lower School Library

 

Lower School Sinclair Library

At the Sinclair Library, we inspire young minds to fall in love with reading while developing essential skills for the digital age. Our students learn to navigate, evaluate, and create information thoughtfully and confidently through hands-on experiences and guided exploration.

Stories come alive in our vibrant space where imagination and discovery flourish. Working closely with classroom teachers, we weave library lessons into the curriculum through inquiry-based learning that sparks curiosity and wonder.

Throughout the year, our community celebrates literacy through special events including visiting authors and illustrators, our beloved annual book fair, summer reading adventures, and our cherished birthday book program. These experiences help create lasting connections between our students, their families, and the joy of reading.

How We Help Students Thrive

Student playing in the mud

A Look Inside Kindergarten—A Sample Day in Action

Activities, classes, and class length are thoughtfully crafted to the unique developmental needs of each grade level. This schedule, along with the academic charts, serves to illustrate the depth and breadth of our Lower School academic program.

8:00 a.m.

Drop Off

Lower School drop-off runs from 8:00 to 8:20 a.m., when students are welcomed by friendly faculty, staff, and our fifth-grade Safety Patrol leaders. These student leaders play an important role each morning, helping younger Saints feel at ease and confidently guiding them to their classrooms.

Lower school drop off with safety patrol

8:20 a.m.

Morning Meeting

Each morning begins with students and teachers gathering in a circle to greet one another with a handshake, hug, or high-five, and to review the day’s plan. Students then ease into the day with a morning activity, such as practicing reading or engaging in a math game.

kindergarten class

9:00 a.m.

Phonics

Students rotate through engaging, small-group activities designed to build strong foundational literacy skills. Using a structured, multisensory approach, they practice letter-sound relationships, blend and segment words, and strengthen early reading, writing, and spelling skills. Whether tapping out syllables, using magnetic letters, or playing sound games, students are immersed in hands-on learning that makes phonics both effective and fun.

Students working in classroom

9:45 a.m.

Spanish

Kindergartners build foundational language skills through music, movement, art, and storytelling. Whether labeling a Thanksgiving feast on their iPads or practicing how to talk about feelings, weather, and routines, students learn Spanish in joyful, hands-on, and culturally rich ways.

Student using and ipad in Spanish class

10:20 a.m.

Recess

Recess is a vital part of the kindergarten day—where play, movement, and fresh air support healthy development. Whether building friendships, solving problems, or simply running free, outdoor play helps students recharge, grow socially, and return to the classroom ready to learn.

Students playing in the sand

11:00 a.m.

Math

Building Strong Number Sense—Kindergarteners develop math skills through interactive games and hands-on activities that promote flexible thinking. From counting and measuring to exploring shapes and simple addition, students build a solid foundation while discovering that math is both meaningful and fun.

students doing math

12:00 p.m.

Lunch

Kindergarteners eat lunch in their classrooms, building community with friends and teachers. Students can bring lunch from home or purchase a school-provided meal. Starting in first grade, they’ll transition to the dining hall.

Kindergarten students eating lunch

12:30 p.m.

Recess

Yes, recess again! That’s how important it is to us. Backed by research, we know that unstructured play supports cognitive growth, improves focus, and boosts overall well-being. A second recess gives our kindergarteners time to reset, move their bodies, and strengthen social skills—so they return to learning energized and engaged.

Students running on turf field

1:00 p.m.

Publishing Party

Kindergarten authors celebrated their hard work by sharing their stories with classmates during a special Publishing Party—building confidence, pride, and a love of writing.

Students working together

1:45 p.m.

Music

Kindergarteners explore music through singing, rhythm games, movement, and instruments. They learn to keep a steady beat, perform simple melodies, and discover how music tells stories—all while building confidence as performers in concerts and classroom informances throughout the year.

Students in music class

2:20 p.m.

Creative Play

Students engage in open-ended games and imaginative play of their choosing—building friendships, collaboration, and joy.

Students playing together

3:00 p.m.

Dismissal

The school day ends with students heading home by carpool or bus—or joining our Extended Day program for more time to play, create, and unwind.

Student on campus

Extended Day & Enrichment

Thoughtfully designed programs that seamlessly extend your child's day with the same care and quality they experience during school hours—letting you focus on work, knowing your Saint is thriving.