At the Lower School, the love of learning, exploration, and connection to the outdoors starts from day one. We nurture the natural curiosity of our students through every experience, setting them on a path to lifelong discovery and growth.
Lower School students arrive each day eager to learn. They care deeply about their peers, their community, and their own education. Our academic program builds strong foundations in reading, writing, and math, helping students become confident readers, clear communicators, and capable problem-solvers. Small classes allow teachers to meet students where they are, intervening when necessary and challenging them as they grow. On average, our students test 1.5 years above grade level.
In the Lower School, we cultivate a vibrant culture of passionate learners who dream boldly and think critically. We believe that nurturing curiosity and confidence alongside strong academic skills prepares our students to become the changemakers of tomorrow.
Social Emotional Learning
Social and emotional learning helps young students develop the emotional awareness, empathy, and kindness needed to build strong relationships, navigate challenges, and create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
RULER, an evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, to our classrooms. RULER focuses on five key emotional intelligence skills: Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions. Research shows that children who manage their emotions make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and excel academically. After training our faculty and staff, we’re ready to infuse RULER into school routines, lessons, and activities. Teachers will help students build emotional awareness through tools like the Mood Meter and activities that promote self-awareness, conflict resolution, and community building. We look forward to your support in reinforcing these skills at home and creating a positive, emotionally safe environment for our students to thrive.