Each year, the Lower School also focuses on particular themes for study. Past themes have included walls and bridges, flight, Latin America, Africa, the human body, ecology, North Carolina, fantasy realms, and wildlife. Each theme is integrated into the curriculum. Having the whole Lower School focus on a common theme provides many opportunities for sharing resources and experiences and for strengthening the community. Lower School students receive basic instruction in the use of the library during weekly library classes.
Parent involvement is welcome.
Parents help by reading with students, helping in the library, typing student work and teaching Interest Groups, as well as by working with the various projects and committees of Parent Meeting, the CFS parent group. Following a time of sharing and announcements, students proceed to small groups. Students then return for more small group activities, which may include teacher-directed groups, independent work time, or projects in centers. Older students are encouraged to assume responsibility for planning the use of some of their own time. They establish goals and evaluate their progress with a teacher frequently.