Lower School
Developing the "Whole Child"
A philosophy of developing the "whole child" is an important part of the Lower School's mission. An atmosphere of trust and caring encourages not only academic growth, but social and emotional growth as well. Our dedicated teachers help students learn respect, responsibility, and resourcefulness, as well as leadership, organization and decision-making skills.
Small Class Sizes
Small class sizes, with an average of 17 children per classroom, allow teachers to provide young students with individualized attention.
• Each classroom in grades 1-3 is staffed by both a teacher and a teaching assistant.
• In grades 4 and 5, a teaching assistant helps teachers at each grade level.
• The majority or the Park Tudor faculty hold master's degrees, and several hold Ph.Ds.
• Teachers attend a number of conferences each year to enhance their teaching techniques, and often are asked to present sessions to fellow professionals.
Curriculum
• The school day begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. for grades 1-2 and 3:30 p.m. for grades 3-5.
• A complete curriculum teaches every student basic skills in reading, writing, computation and problem solving. Children also study music, art, dance, physical education, computers, science and a foreign language.
• Spanish is completely integrated into the Lower School curriculum. Language study at an early age enables the student to develop better accents, a respect and appreciation for cultural diversity, a clearer understanding of his own language and world, greater fluency, and enhanced listening and thinking skills.
• Students learn leadership skills while performing school jobs such as delivering mail, leading an assembly, participating in Student Council, and organizing community service activities.
• Grades 1-3: The goal of this segment is the academic, social and emotional development of each child. Subjects are integrated with other curriculum areas, using a multisensory approach to help children develop an understanding of concepts. Students spend much of their time learning to read, write and compute.
• Reading
• Writing
• Spelling
• Oral Expression
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies
• Physical Education
• Fine Arts
• Spanish (integrated with social studies and science)
• Computer Education
• Compass Learning computer math and language arts curriculum
• Music
• Art
• Dance (third grade; other grades optional)
• Young Strings Program (optional)
• Private Piano Lessons (optional)
• Grades 4-5: The emphasis in these grades is on active study, as students begin to take responsibility for their own learning. Student Council members are responsible for leading a weekly Lower School Assembly, which teaches them public speaking and leadership skills. Students also are required to provide service to various areas of the Lower School. The daily schedule is divided into blocks of time that allow for flexibility when special situations arise.
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies
• Language Arts
• Literature
• Physical Education
• Art
• Spanish
• Compass Learning computer math and language arts curriculum
• Band (optional)
• Private piano lessons (optional)
• Strings (optional)
• Dance (optional)
• Intramural sports
Comprehensive Resources for Learning and Play
• 15 classrooms with computers
• 2 computer labs
• 17,000-volume library
• Science room
• Art and music rooms
• Resource room
• Counseling and project rooms
• Small-group areas
• Family-style lunch in Clowes Commons, where fifth graders take responsibility for serving the meal
• Playground for supervised play and learning at recess and after lunch
• Gymnasium/athletic fields
• Theatre facilities
Expanded Care Options
• Before School Supervision beginning at 7:15 a.m. Milk and cereal provided free of charge.
• After School Care from 3:10-6 p.m. for an additional fee. Supervised activities and snacks are provided.
