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Lower School

LOWER SCHOOL (3's-4th)

The early years are a time of exciting self discovery, increased social awareness, and establishing the practice of citizenship within a community. Calhoun's Lower School promotes a love of learning, active engagement, and a joyful spirit in a progressive learning environment where students know that anything is possible.

Starting with our youngest students, we lay a strong foundation in the inquiry process — teaching children how to frame questions and seek answers, so they’re better equipped for robust academic exploration.

Within our close-knit community, teachers get to know students not just as learners but as human beings. This personalized approach fosters a supportive environment where children feel confident to take intellectual risks, try new things, and be their authentic selves.

Children at Calhoun are actively immersed in their learning, and genuinely excited to come to school. Their experience sets the stage for future growth, and above all, shapes independent, self-aware, and compassionate young learners and citizens.

Lower School Curriculum

Lower Schools students are guided by our exceptional faculty toward an understanding of key concepts, so that students are prepared for more abstract thinking.

Explore our curriculum

April Thompson, Ph.D.
Lower School Director

Our Innovative Dual-Track Model

Our Lower School curriculum offers two educational tracks for children in preschool through third grade – Open Inquiry and Montessori – giving families meaningful options for these crucial and joyful early years. This dual-track model is thoughtfully designed to allow students the opportunity to learn in the ways that work best for them, and provide access to a rich array of resources tailored to individual learning styles. 

Montessori Track

Our Montessori track follows the internationally-recognized Montessori curriculum in mixed-grade classrooms.

Open Inquiry Track

Our Open Inquiry track pulls from a mix of pedagogical approaches, with students learning in single-grade classrooms.

4th Grade Program

The two tracks join together through a carefully planned transition in 4th grade that focuses on preparing children with the skills and habits for middle school and beyond. 

Learn about 4th Grade

Girl on Laptop with Teacher Smiling

Two Paths to the Same Destination

Calhoun’s Montessori and Open Inquiry tracks have a shared emphasis on hands-on experiences and student-driven learning. Students in both tracks are empowered to be inquisitive, develop their problem-solving skills, and meet increasingly complex challenges. Students also come together for distinctive projects, specials courses like STEAM and Spanish, field trips and assemblies – building one Lower School community.

Graph showing Similarities and Differences between Open Inquiry and Montessori tracks

 

"This is a place where we believe in the power of student voice and its role in shaping an inclusive, empowered educational experience."

April Thompson, Lower School Director

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