Lower School Experience and Discovery

Lakehill offers a teacher-led, child-centered curriculum which provides a well rounded education in the tradition of the best liberal arts colleges. Students work both independently and cooperatively in pursuing an academic program that is challenging and motivating. Competition for college entrance is a fact of life, and readiness for that competition begins with firm grounding in the early school years.

A strong phonetic approach to reading beginning in kindergarten produces students who are excellent readers. A concept-oriented math program allows students to quickly grasp the fundamentals of working with numbers, while still requiring the memorization of math facts. Directed and creative writing opportunities abound, resulting in increasing abilities to write and research. Science and social studies and/or historical studies broaden the students' abilities to understand the world in which they live. In general, memory work and recitation are combined with creative thinking and problem solving strategies for a well-balanced learning program.

The curriculum for lower school spirals from developmental to more complex skills, leading to middle and upper school programs designed for college entrance. Lower school students are engaged in the following curriculum areas: mathematics, English/grammar, phonics/reading, formal/creative writing, spelling, vocabulary, handwriting, social studies/history, science and labs, computers literacy, Spanish, art, music, physical education, library, study skills, and research skills.

The Focus Program

Developed by LPS lower school faculty, this program has been presented at teacher conferences and conventions and has received acclaim from fellow educators. This child-centered program nurtures a sense of self-worth by spotlighting each child at every age level during all of the lower school years. These experiences build self-esteem and personal dignity while recognizing the uniqueness inherent in every person.

In kindergarten the child participates in an "All About Me" project. The focus is on writing and publishing a personal book called "My Favorite Things" in first grade. The child builds a collage of personal * celebrated, and in fourth grade the child's place among peers is the focus.

Enrichment and Special Activities

Times for Math Week and Science Week are designated each fall. During these weeks, the respective curriculum area is spotlighted and special activities are planned. Opportunities exist for parents and community members to visit classrooms to share how the mastery of these important subjects is essential in the workplace and home. Creative demonstrations, hands-on activities, and class discussion emphasize the application of basic skills in daily experiences.

Field trips are planned at each grade level to enrich and enhance the curriculum, thus broadening each child's knowledge base. Extensive thought and preparation go into planning these curriculum-related trips to maximize ways students will benefit from these learning experiences.

Chorus is available after school for students in grades 3 and 4. A Lakehill-sponsored activity, this weekly class is instructed by our music teacher. Students participate in several performances during the year.

Special activities throughout the year provide lower school students with opportunities for interaction outside the classroom. Students are active participants in the Halloween Carnival, Reindeer Parade, and the Spring Treasure Hunt. Spring Field Day is a favorite event and is comprised of outdoor activities and games.

Lakehill's athletic program begins in the fifth grade. However, parents often organize and sponsor team activities such as soccer and/or baseball for lower school students. The same is true for groups such as Brownies and Cub Scouts.

Faculty

Members of the lower school faculty are selected for their creativity in the classroom as well as for their expertise, knowledge, experience, and love of children. In addition to their regular classroom teacher, students have specialty teachers in art, music, Spanish, library, computer literacy and physical education. Lower school classes operate in self-contained classrooms.

The School Day

Classes begin at 8:15 a.m. and end at 3:15 p.m. A lunchroom menu is provided for daily food purchases, or students may bring lunches from home. A short recess provides free play time during the course of the structured day. Also included in each day's schedule is a quiet time when teachers read to students from assortment of grade level appropriate books.

After-School Care Program

A supervised child care program is available on school days until 6:00 p.m. for an additional fee. Any lower school student remaining on campus after carpool is required to check into the after-school care program. The purpose of this program is to offer a safe, flexible, and well-staffed environment for those remaining on campus after 3:45 p.m.