Hands-On

Young children learn a great deal by observing the world around them. We encourage this by getting students involved in activities both inside and outside the classroom. Students in the Lower School spend well over half their day involved in some kind of hands-on activities or creative projects. Walk into a classroom at this level, and you'll generally find a beehive of motion.

"Research" is a concept that helps a child to observe activities or phenomena in the environment, thereby learning first-hand about basic concepts in physics, biology, or chemistry. Students engage in a variety of research projects as part of their regular curriculum.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are scheduled regularly (at least once a month) and are a key element of the Lower School experience. Students might visit a fish hatchery, see a puppet show, explore botanical gardens, tour a post office, or attend a musical concert. Focus is always on exploring the world around them.

MUSIC & ART

We also have a varied arts program. Art, music or drama are offered daily and are considered an important part of the children's educations. Musical and theatrical performances often include the participation of Lower School students and are scheduled regularly during the school year. We also make it a point to display the children's artwork in many places around the school. In the Lower School specifically, emphasis is placed on creativity and developing technique in a variety of mediums, as well as being introduced to well-known artists and works of art. Lower School students receive training in singing on pitch, and both reading and writing music. The music program also ensures students are exposed to various types of music, including classical.

ATHLETICS & PHYSICAL SKILLS

In the Lower School, emphasis is on building strong bodies and in developing physical skills. Our campus facilities include a fully equipped playground area and athletic field. Lower School students get outside or in the gym a couple of times during the day both for play and to work on attaining specific physical skills.

Students from age 5 are also encouraged to participate in the Foothill Youth Soccer League, whose teams are sponsored by the school but run by parents. Practices occur several times a week during the school day with games played on Saturdays.

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