Lower School Program

Across all grade levels, the SCFS curriculum is characterized by interdisciplinary study, inviting students to take a “deep dive” on a particular topic and deepen their understanding from scientific, historic, and  literary perspectives. Each area of study typically includes multiple experiential elements, inviting students to learn by doing. While teachers ensure that students develop developmentally-appropriate skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, specific topics of study at Friends School are often informed by student interests and passions. 

 

At SCFS, academic success is supported by small class sizes, individualized teacher attention, and collaboration between a student’s family and teachers via frequent communications, progress reports, and several conferences per school year.

 

The natural unfolding of child development from kindergarten through eighth grade drives our curriculum and methods.  Friends School's mixed-age groupings and small class sizes give children time to learn at their own pace. The opportunity to engage with new concepts and practice novel skills in a safe and supportive classroom environment allows students to develop confidence in themselves as mathematicians, readers, writers, and critical thinkers and cultivate a love of learning. Encouraging students to explore their own interests and think critically about diverse perspectives supports them in mastering the mechanics of reading, writing, and mathematics.

In lower school classrooms, teachers share the joys of reading books and writing stories, the satisfaction that comes with solving challenging math problems, and the intrigue inherent in the natural world.  Students learn to make observations and predictions through repeated exposure to the scientific process. As children move from kindergarten through fourth grade, they learn to express their ideas and learning through the writing and revision process, conduct research, and present their work to classmates and other community members. Our lower school math curriculum is guided by the Math in Focus program. Teachers weave social-emotional skill development into each school day, guiding students as they learn what it means to be a kind, active member of a community, practicing active listening, thoughtful communication, self-advocacy, and conflict resolution.