Hands-On

Young children learn a great deal by observing the world around them. We encourage this by getting students involved in activities both inside and outside the classroom. Students in the Lower School spend well over half their day involved in some kind of hands-on activities or creative projects. Walk into a classroom at this level, and you'll generally find a beehive of motion.

"Research" is a concept that helps a child to observe activities or phenomena in the environment, thereby learning first-hand about basic concepts in physics, biology or chemistry. Students through the Elementary School engage in a variety of research projects as part of their regular curriculum.

Field Trips

Field trips are scheduled regularly and are a key element of the Lower School experience. Students might visit a fish hatchery, see a puppet show, explore botanical gardens, tour a post office or attend a musical concert. Focus is always on exploring the world around.

Music & Art

Art, music and drama are offered throughout the year and are considered an important of the children's education. Because the essence of art is communication, we emphasize performance and exhibition. Students of all ages participate in our two performances held each year: Winter Holiday and Parents' Day at the end of the school year. We make it a point to display the children's artwork in as many places around the school as we can. In the Lower School specifically, emphasis on is placed on creativity and developing technique in a variety of mediums, as well as being introduced to well-known artists and works of art. In music, Lower School students learn rhythm and singing and are exposed to various types of music, including classical.

Athletics & Physical Skills

Emphasis in athletics at the Lower School level is on developing physical skills. Gymnastics is a major part of the program, focusing on tumbling and floor maneuvers, walking board/balance beam skills, horizontal ladder skills, ball/rope/hoop skills, and walking/running/hiking skills. The school has a fully equipped playground, as well as a sports field where team games such as kickball, soccer and softball are played. More seasonal sports activities include ice skating, hiking, bowling and swimming, and are typically offered some time during the school year or summer session.