Lower School Required Program of Study Art English – language arts/reading Health Mathematics Music and Choral Instruction Outdoor Education Program Physical Education Sacred Studies – weekly chapel/community service Science – earth science, health science, life science, physical science Social Studies Spanish Techonology    Hours: 8:30am-3:10pm (full day); 8:30am-12pm (half day) The philosophy at the Lower School is to encourage active, involved learners in a challenging academic environment. Our school emphasizes academics, the Fine Arts, cooperation and mutual respect. Students in grades one through four participate in a curriculum that is strongly based on the fundamental skills necessary to become productive, responsible and independent learners. Students transition from grade one and a curriculum that correlates with their developmental needs into a curriculum by grade four that emphasizes independence, problem solving and critical thinking skills. We set high standards in reading, writing, math, science and social studies. Our basic reading program builds on our phonics program developing fluency and comprehension skills, allowing our students to access quality literature. The mathematics program uses manipulatives to solve problems and to move from basic concepts to abstract thinking. Students start the technology program in first grade and learn keyboarding by third grade. Science and Social Studies classes actively involve the students in real world activities and develop critical thinking.