Lower School Every aspect of our Lower School complements the developmental strengths of young learners, giving form to their innate desire to explore and discover the world around them. Guided by their natural curiosity and sense of wonder, children learn the academic skills and habits to bring their questions to life, establishing the framework for a lifetime of learning and purposeful engagement. Our Lower School teachers bring a profound respect for children, a deep understanding of child development, and a thorough grounding in best practices to fill each student’s day with rich and rewarding learning experiences. Whether in the classroom, Tinker Space, or outdoors on our beautiful 208-acre campus, learning is joyful, inquiry-driven, frequently collaborative, and always inspiring. Our Lower School students love to come to school each day. Surrounded by a warm and supportive community, they gain the confidence and sense of belonging that are essential preludes to learning and growth. Because each child’s learning journey is distinct, our curriculum provides students considerable opportunities for personalized learning with teachers, reading specialists, and learning specialists. A combination of individual, small-group, and whole-class instruction allows our faculty to tailor each student’s learning and ensure that students remain engaged and appropriately challenged throughout their Lower School years. Because our faculty collaborate among grade levels and subject areas, students transition smoothly and with confidence from one grade to the next. In addition to working with one another, teachers partner with parents to achieve a fuller understanding and support of each student’s development, learning, and overall well-being. The Lower School also offers a range of after-school programs, the vast majority of which are led by GSB teachers and staff. Whether rehearsing a musical, learning to cook, building a LEGO robot, or planting in the garden, students have the chance to create, collaborate, move around, and simply have fun while learning something new.
Program Highlights Singapore Math - Our math curriculum, based on the Singapore Math approach, begins in early childhood, and extends through the second year of Middle School. Students build strong computational skills and an authentic understanding of mathematical concepts. Singapore Math presents concepts in a three-step approach through 1) concrete materials, 2) pictorial models, and 3) numeric and algebraic equations. Because our math curriculum is sequential and focuses on mastery and in-depth understanding at every stage, students are confident in their skills and eager to tackle new and more complex material independently. Personalized Reading Instruction - Homeroom teachers incorporate a range of instructional techniques for reading, including on-level guided reading and elements of the Orton-Gillingham approach. Reading groups and reading instruction are dynamic, flexible, and fluid to best complement each student’s individual growth. A dedicated full-time reading teacher and a specialist for personalized learning work with students in kindergarten and first grade. A learning specialist is also available to work with students who may benefit from further instruction in reading. Complementing classroom learning with personalized instruction benefits every student—from those just beginning to our most avid readers. Students have room to grow, while still receiving the support they need to continue to develop as readers. Library time and programs, such as Reading Buddies and Book Bags, help instill a culture of reading and a love of literature. Related Arts - Specialized teachers in art, library, music, science, technology, and Spanish comprise the Related Arts faculty. These teachers collaborate with homeroom teachers and with one another to implement special projects that bring together a range of skills and subjects to reinforce learning across the curriculum. Signature Related Arts projects include an Early Childhood production of The Nutcracker in December, for preschool through kindergarten students, and the creation of a Biome Museum in the spring, which involves every student in the school.
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