Lower School

Lower School students attend school in the main building in self-contained classes. Specialized instructors in art, music, French or Spanish and physical education supplement instruction by their 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. The students study history, economics and geography in increasing depth, with fourth grade students 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, they have a solid foundation on which they can build.

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"My daughter attended this school from PK to third grade. Her teachers were spectacular with the right combination of structure and warmth. The peer group watch very little TV (it showed), participated in sports, music and other extracurricular activities. This was an emotionally healthy and international environment, perfect for kids who like an academic challenge. "
- M. Ganser