Confidence building is a strong part of the Lower School experience. The program's goal is to instill in each student a respect for nature, mankind and oneself while developing the skills necessary to become a productive and responsible citizen. Each year students study life science, physical science, and earth science through hands-on projects, guided discovery, computer software, and exploration activities. A variety of projects and reports accomany these units. As part of the language arts experience several books are read together as a class and studied in depth.
Independent reading is encouraged as part of homework.
Students are introduced to conversational French and Spanish, with half a year devoted to each language. The concepts and computational skills of mathematics are learned through a combination of manipulatives and drill work. The thinking process and problem solving skills receive special attention. Computer work supplements the traditional coursework being pursued. Computers are an integral part of the Lower School curriculum with a weekly computer lab session and computers in each of the classrooms.