Lower School
Lower School students attend school in Congressional's main building, in self-contained classes. Specialized instructors in art, music, French or Spanish, and physical education supplement instruction by classroom teachers. Technology integration is achieved through project-based learning.
In language arts, children progress from basic writing skills to full expression, from ability to read to a love of reading. They receive continuing instruction in grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation and are also exposed to increasingly challenging literature in a full range of writing styles, topics and cultures. In addition, Lower School introduces students to the fundamentals of all main branches of science.
Grade by grade, students' knowledge and skills become more sophisticated. Manipulatives are used in mathematics to facilitate concept development and logistical reasoning, and to apply mathematics to problem solving. Students study history, economics and geography in increasing depth; fourth grade students are ready to focus their studies on the history, economics and geography of Virginia. Students become proficient in conversational French or Spanish, while also learning about the culture and customs. By Lower School's end, students have a solid foundation on which they can build.
"Congressional helps children rise to challenges. The curriculum is innovative and the teacher finds which learning style works best for each child."--Negin Dehn