lower school of the
welcome
At Gilman, we embrace the great responsibility that comes with educating young boys during their most impressionable years.
We hope you enjoy exploring the a-b-cs of Gilman and learning more about our mission to educate boys in mind, body, and spirit! We are thrilled you are interested in exploring Gilman and look forward to working with your family!
Join us as we journey together through the Gilman alphabet to find out all about what your son will learn in Gilman’s Lower School from a to z! alphabet
a-b-c is easy as 1-2-3.
Learning at Gilman is an adventure that celebrates boys. Gilman’s dynamic curriculum encourages boys at every age and stage of their educational, emotional, and social development to discover their own innate talents and interests. boys
curiosity
Gilman’s Lower School includes pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and emphasizes the importance of exploration, imagination, and curiosity.
Boys at all stages of academic development are encouraged to ask questions and consider different points of view.
Our diverse, inclusive community respects and values each individual. We celebrate our unique stories and collective experiences. diversity
enthusiasm and energy
Every square foot of Gilman’s 57-acre campus is a learning opportunity. Teachers enthusiastically lead the boys on outdoor adventures, exploring Stony Run stream and our campus ecosystem. Ample time for outdoor recess allows boys the time to exercise their innate energy.
friends
Each boy’s Gilman journey begins with making friends and building relationships. Every classroom, grade, and division recognizes that the very best learning occurs collaboratively with the support of peers, teachers, and coaches.
gilman five
Five is a very important number. Five is the average age of kindergartners, and it is also the number of core values on which we focus. The Gilman Five — Honor, Integrity, Respect, Humility, and Excellence — help shape boys of promise into men of character.
house system
The Lower School House Program fosters a deep sense of belonging in an inclusive, supportive environment. Faculty, staff, and second through fifth grade students are sorted into five “houses,” all of which build their own unifying sense of identity and community. Students enjoy engaging in activities and character-development lessons while collaborating with peers.
I
iditarod
Snow dogs at Gilman?
Faculty members in all grades have the freedom to bring the curriculum to life through innovative teaching with hands-on learning. Specifically, the third grade curriculum incorporates an official Iditarod unit spanning math, writing, science, and geography.
jump for joy
Gilman’s younger boys begin to develop physical skills through age-appropriate sports and activities that emphasize sportsmanship, cooperation, and safe play. Swim instruction begins in prep-one/first grade and is regarded as a physical education favorite.
known, loved, challenged
This is our mantra at Gilman School.
Through academics, arts, and athletics, we get to know our boys’ interests and individual strengths. By building this authentic relationship, we can challenge each boy to become his best self.
We purposefully teach our Lower School boys habits of strong learners. Our dynamic curriculum is designed to encourage academic, social, and emotional growth on developmentally appropriate levels. learning to learn
maker
Every Gilman boy is a maker.
Whether it is in Design and Woodworking class or with guest robotics instructors, opportunities exist to apply creativity, perseverance, and critical thinking to their projects.
numbers
Through the use of manipulatives and interactive activities, our boys develop a deep understanding of conceptual and abstract mathematical knowledge. They apply these skills individually and collaboratively to solve problems using reasoning, creativity, and communication.
Outdoor classrooms, including the Alpine Tower, Lower School garden, and physical education program, boost our boys’ attention spans, resilience, and confidence. outdoor
play
We believe that play is essential to the physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development of boys. It is an important learning tool that creatively stretches young minds to make meaningful connections.
Q
With ample time throughout the day for boys to expend their energy through frequent movement, the primary grades’ daily schedule also includes time for quiet reflection and rest. quiet
responsive classroom
Lower School teachers understand the importance of building a strong sense of classroom community with individual voices and choices.
Responsive Classroom practices help to ensure that each student develops social, emotional, and academic competencies for lifelong success and happiness.
S
Whether in the classroom, lab, garden, or off campus, science instruction focuses on being inquisitive, gathering data, and sharing the wonders of our Earth and all living things. science
tradition
Starting with Engineering Day in pre-k and the Kindy 500 in kindergarten, all boys at Gilman enjoy activities steeped in tradition. Some traditions include all divisions — like convocations throughout the school year — and others are special for each grade level, like the prepone play and the Echo Hill field trip in fifth grade.
U
unique
Gilman understands how boys learn best and celebrates each one on his unique journey. With unmatched academics, a strong athletic program that emphasizes both skill and sportsmanship, and myriad artistic opportunities, Gilman strives to unlock the greatness in each boy.
Gilman is a vibrant and dynamic community! Our boys thrive on their educational journeys with countless opportunities to express themselves, celebrate successes, and have fun! vibrant
wonder
Children are intrinsically motivated to learn. They look at the world around them with wonder and a desire to understand all they experience. Gilman teachers recognize this trait and use it to introduce new ideas and to enhance learning.
xylophone
Boys learn musical concepts through listening, singing, movement experience, or playing instruments — including xylophones. Boys lift their voices in song and truly feel the beat with their whole bodies.
young
At Gilman, we embrace the great responsibility that comes with educating young boys during their most impressionable years. Our mission to develop every boy in mind, body, and spirit is a commitment that begins in the Lower School.
