Elementary Students holding Art

Lower School

Students “learn how to learn” through hands-on projects and small-group collaboration that are designed to tap their intellectual curiosity.

"I feel like I am breathing again at school."
— Lower School Student, during her first week at The Lab School

Although the Lower School program is generally the equivalent of grades 1 through 4, there are no designated “grades”; instead students are grouped by age and developmental needs. They move through the curriculum at their own pace, developing the strengths, skills, and confidence necessary for the academic rigors that lie ahead.

Art, music, drama, and dance are core components of Lab’s curriculum at every level, starting in our Lower School program. Reading and language arts are an intensive part of each day’s work. Math, science, physical education, and The Lab School’s ground-breaking "Academic Clubs" round out the Lower School education at Lab.

A Day in the Life of Lower School Students

icon for sunrise icon for night sky
Elementary student sitting on the floor with Bingo the dog reading a book
Click to play the video

Reading

In Ms. Harris and Ms. Reichert's classroom, students are taught in small groups through the Orton Gillingham Approach.

Student photo
Natalie
Elementary
Student wields trident in gods and goddesses club
Student wields trident in gods and goddesses club

Academic Club: Gods and Goddesses

Students play historic roles and are immersed in a time period during Academic Clubs; the knowledge sticks.

Student portrait
Henry
Elementary
Two girls work on science experiment using beakers
Two girls work on science experiment using beakers

Science

Through a multi sensory approach, young scientists participate in real world lab activities, often using visual and performing arts to convey scientific concepts.

Student photo
Madeleine
Elementary
Elementary student in art class
Elementary student in art class

Art

“Learning thorough the arts creates an entry to learning for many people. The arts are about ourselves and can make learning in other disciplines accessible.” - Azure Lea, Teaching Visual Artist

Student photo
Malachi
Elementary
9:00 AM
Elementary student sitting on the floor with Bingo the dog reading a book Click to play the video

Reading

In Ms. Harris and Ms. Reichert's classroom, students are taught in small groups through the Orton Gillingham Approach.

Student photo
Natalie
Elementary
11:00 AM
Student wields trident in gods and goddesses club

Academic Club: Gods and Goddesses

Students play historic roles and are immersed in a time period during Academic Clubs; the knowledge sticks.

Student portrait
Henry
Elementary
1:00 PM
Two girls work on science experiment using beakers

Science

Through a multi sensory approach, young scientists participate in real world lab activities, often using visual and performing arts to convey scientific concepts.

Student photo
Madeleine
Elementary
2:30 PM
Elementary student in art class

Art

“Learning thorough the arts creates an entry to learning for many people. The arts are about ourselves and can make learning in other disciplines accessible.” - Azure Lea, Teaching Visual Artist

Student photo
Malachi
Elementary
Lynn Gudhus with Student
Lynn Gudhus

Lynn Gudhus

Elementary Science Teacher

Faculty

You never know what you will find when you pop into Elementary Science Teacher Lynn Gudhus’s classroom.

Full Story

Leadership

Reach out to us at anytime. We are here to help.

View all Lower School faculty and staff
Elizabeth Eastwick

Elizabeth Eastwick

  • Head of Lower School
Judy Shincarick

Judy Shincarick

  • Associate Head of Lower School
Contact Information For:

Prospective Students and Families

Nakia Hackett

Nakia Hackett

  • Admissions Associate
Contact Information For:

Current Students and Families

Lisa Watson

Lisa Watson

  • Administrative Assistant
  • (202) 580-7055