Lower School
Through hands-on projects, immersive classrooms, and small-group collaboration, Lower School students come to realize that learning can be both productive and fun.
"I feel like I am breathing again at school."
— Lower School Student, during her first week at The Lab School
At The Lab School, students are grouped by age and developmental needs instead of grade level. They move through the curriculum at their own pace, developing and honing the strengths, skills, and confidence necessary for deep academic learning. Though we do not have designated grade levels, Lab’s Lower School is generally the equivalent of grades 1 through 4.
Unlike at a typical school for ADHD or dyslexia, art, music, drama, and dance are core components of Lab’s curriculum at every level, starting in our Lower School. This creative learning best sets our students up to learn and partake in the sciences, math, language arts, and physical education, all key parts of their day.
Our ground-breaking, cross-disciplinary “Academic Clubs” are another central part of the Lower School experience. These immersive, hands-on, and classroom-wide experiences are where the rigor of our academics and our love for learning come together.
A Day in the Life of Lower School Students
Reading
In Ms. Harris and Ms. Reichert's classroom, students are taught in small groups through the Orton Gillingham Approach.
Academic Club: Gods and Goddesses
Students play historic roles and are immersed in a time period during Academic Clubs; the knowledge sticks.
Science
Through a multi sensory approach, young scientists participate in real world lab activities, often using visual and performing arts to convey scientific concepts.
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
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.
Academic Club: Gods and Goddesses
Students play historic roles and are immersed in a time period during Academic Clubs; the knowledge sticks.
Science
Through a multi sensory approach, young scientists participate in real world lab activities, often using visual and performing arts to convey scientific concepts.
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
Adzua Robinson
Math and Academic Club Teacher
World Cultures Club uses art, storytelling, and curiosity to introduce students to ancient cultures from around the globe. Drawing on her own interests exploring the world, Math Teacher and Academic Club Teacher Adzua Robinson created the Club to give her students a way to see the common experiences between different groups of people.
Elizabeth Eastwick
- Head of Lower School
Judy Shincarick
- Associate Head of Lower School
Prospective Students and Families
Nakia Hackett
- Admissions Associate
Current Students and Families
Lisa Watson
- Administrative Assistant
- After School Coordinator
