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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, Calhoun's Lower School Director.

April Thompson, Ph.D.
Lower School Director

"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

Lower School Highlights

Lower School assemblies
Assemblies

Assemblies are held regularly and are a special moment of connection for Lower School students, giving them the chance to sing together and learn from their peers.

Lower School field trips
Field Trips

Field trips in the Lower School help bring learning to life and allow students to explore the city (and beyond!) while building community.

Lower School Spanish/Movement class
Spanish/Movement

Lower School students learn Spanish through a kinesthetic approach blending dance and movement. Not only does this make learning fun, but research shows that physical activity helps young children absorb meaning.

Lower School Specials course
Specials

Our Lower School curriculum incorporate studies in STEAM, Spanish, music, art and
physical education.

Lower School STEAM
STEAM

The 85th Street STEAM lab allows students to explore their curiosity while building important skills related to science, technology, engineering, art and math. Project highlights have included coding original video games, building a sustainable city, and programming mini robots.

Lower School Classroom Experience

Our Lower School classrooms bring together diverse teaching philosophies and methodologies. This approach is thoughtfully designed to provide access to a rich array of resources tailored to individual learning styles.

Montessori

In Montessori classrooms, students follow their curiosity by selecting from assignments laid out for them according to the internationally-recognized Montessori framework.

Open Inquiry

In Open Inquiry classrooms, teachers draw from numerous progressive pedagogies and create opportunities to infuse students’ interests into lessons.

4th Grade Program

The fourth-grade program focuses on preparing children to meet new academic milestones, while developing the skills and habits that will serve them in Middle School and beyond. 

Learn about 4th Grade

Girl on Laptop with Teacher Smiling

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