Our program provides children with a firm foundation in essential skills and an introduction to abstract intellectual concepts.
The Lower School curriculum emphasizes reading, writing and mathematics. Utilizing a cross-curricular approach, students incorporate these academic areas into other ones, such as social studies and science.
From the beginning, including our Early Saints for 3-year-olds and junior kindergarten, solid work habits are stressed, providing a foundation for students to learn organizational strategies and to acquire note- and test-taking skills. Teachers differentiate instruction to provide the appropriate level of challenge and support for all students.
More about our Early Years Curriculum
- Our Early Years program is comprised of Early Saints preschool for three- and four year-olds, Junior Kindergarten for four- and five year-olds and Kindergarten for our five- and six-year-olds.
- We offer an exciting introduction to what school can be. 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.
Lower School Courses
Throughout their time in the Lower School, our students will cover the following courses:
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- History
- Social Studies
- Academic Support
- Library
- Modern and Classical Languages
- Performing Arts
- Physical Education
- Religion
- Science
- Technology
- Visual Arts
Specials beyond the Core
Beginning in junior kindergarten, classes in science, technology, modern and classical language, performing and visual arts, and physical education complement our students' sound academic foundation. Classroom and special subject teachers work together to integrate skills from multiple subjects.
Students are given the opportunity to exhibit their knowledge and understanding at the end of the unit. Parents, faculty, staff and other students are invited to attend these exhibitions, including Spotlight on Authors, the Science, States and ArtStravaganza.
Supporting our Students
At the Lower School, our Academic Support Team provides support to all students, including students with mild to moderate learning needs, in order to help them become more effective learners and successful self-advocates. Our learning specialists consult with the classroom teachers and recommend strategies that include classroom accommodations. We help teachers identify and support the individual needs of our students and implement best teaching practices. Our learning specialists join the classroom to provide support. For example, we may work with a group of kindergarten students who need targeted phonics instruction or a group of fifth graders on writing organization.
Our Academic Support Team can also work with students who would benefit from direct, ongoing support based on their learning profiles. Our learning specialists, administrators, and classroom teachers collaborate to make decisions regarding which students may benefit from this program. Such students have typically participated in educational testing or a screening at school. Assistance may be provided with:
- Early literacy and language skills
- Reading (e.g., decoding, fluency)
- Reading comprehension
- Spelling
- Written expression
- Math skills
- Executive functioning
- Learning concepts like growth mindset
- Monitoring anxiety related to academics
Counselors on each campus are available for consultation to all students of the school community, and are also resources for parents with concerns regarding students or school-related issues.The Chaplains are also available to all members of the school community, students and parents, as well as faculty and staff who wish to talk about ethical or spiritual issues or personal relationships. During the year a variety of mental health and wellness programs are offered for students and adults.
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.