Lower Elementary Mission
The Curtis Lower Elementary offers a traditional academic curriculum beginning in Developmental Kindergarten and through Second Grade. We inspire a love of learning by providing instruction that challenges young minds and develops confidence through problem solving experiences. Our approach fosters the young child's natural curiosity and nurtures a child's emotional and social growth as a foundation for intellectual development. Teachers in the Lower Elementary focus on helping children develop habits of heart and mind that lead to lifelong learning. We teach children how to incorporate patience, curiosity, perseverance and passion into all that they do. Understanding and practicing the values of kindness, honesty and respect are at the core of all learning. As a family school, we celebrate the richness of a variety of cultures and the unique perspectives that diversity offers. The social and academic development of students is supported by character-building skills that help children succeed long after they leave Lower Elementary and throughout their lives.
Within our language arts curriculum, beginning in Kindergarten, our students are taught to become strategic readers, reading from a variety of genres. Students are taught to use writing as a tool for communicating their thoughts, recording information and to extend the quality of their reading. We want our students to appreciate the power that reading can have in their lives. Our math curriculum teaches students how to gain important mathematical insights through whole group discussion and small group learning. In addition to the core curriculum, we build upon the classroom experiences for learning by offering six specialist classes: science, music, art, physical education, library and technology. Children attend science, art and music twice every six-day cycle. Science, art and music classes add increased depth and balance to our students' learning experiences. Children attend physical Education classes daily. The physical education program and play facilities are designed to engage young children in a commitment to positive sportsmanship and good health. Library and technology classes are attended once every six-day cycle, with technology beginning in Kindergarten). Library and technology lab directly support the instructional program, while offering children extended resources to enrich their own learning.
There are two Development Kindergarten classes and three classes at each grade level thereafter, with an enrollment of approximately 235 students. Children are energized by the beautiful campus and stimulating learning environment.
