Lower School
Welcome to the Lower School! Energy and excitement fill our hallways and classrooms. We take a positive, creative, child-centered approach to learning. Our curriculum includes a workshop approach to reading with individualized support, phonics instruction, handwriting, problem-solving activities with Everyday Math experiences, hands-on science instruction, writing skills instruction, and social studies research across each discipline. Classes are taught with developmental expectations in mind, and social skills are integrated into the curriculum every day.
We see each student as a whole person and strive to provide an environment that promotes personal growth, natural curiosity, a love of literacy, the spirit of exploration, and independent thinking. As our students learn and grow, our goal is to help them build an understanding of themselves and to appreciate and make meaningful contributions to the world around them."Christina aaron, head of lower school
Lower School provides a unique opportunity for each child to discover his or her voice, talents and passions. Small classes, dedicated teachers, and trained specialists encourage a culture of enthusiasm, energy and creativity. While each morning begins with the televised, student-run morning announcements, the days are varied with a blending of core classes and specials. Daily recess allows opportunities for student to unwind and spend time with classmates. Many of our students choose to participate in the after-school program and get involved with a variety of clubs and activities.
Special Area Classes
In addition to core academic classes, Country Day prides itself on the experiential learning experiences provided through our robust offering of Lower School specials. The below specials are taught by seasoned faculty in dedicated, unique learning spaces.
Science
The Lower School science program encourages students to be curious, to examine nature, to analyze data, and to understand their environment and the world around them. Students learn science concepts in the classroom and through discovery as they explore our vast outdoor classroom spaces.
Spanish
Lower School Spanish students learn naturally through listening, speaking, and reading the language. Spanish classes offer hands-on activities and collaboration as students grow in the language and become more culturally aware and inclusive citizens.
Art
The Lower School art room is surrounded by gardens and is the perfect studio space for exploring the world around them through the visual arts. Students study the fundamentals of color, shape, value, and texture.
Music
Our music program fosters a love for music as they develop an understanding of the relationship between music, the arts, history and culture. Lower School music classes provide students with the opportunity to sing, play, move, listen to, read, and enjoy music.
Physical Education
Lower School PE classes promote a positive attitude towards self and others. Students enjoy the opportunities for challenge and social interaction as they learn how to maintain a healthy level of physical fitness.
Technology/Media
Students learn media literacy skills and are introduced to a variety of authors, illustrators, and genres as they discover and develop their love of books and reading.
Lower School At a Glance
Junior Kindergarten and kindergarten have a dedicated lunchroom and science classroom within the morris early childhood center
First through fifth grades are housed in Pressly hall, a 53,000-square foot, LEED Certified building
Media center with Mac computer lab1:1 iPads for students in JK- 2nd grade for classroom use
1:1 laptop computers for 3rd- 5th grade students for classroom use
Video production lab allows students to broadcast televised morning announcements
Science center featuring animal care center, student-centered garden, and greenhouse
Three full-time Learning Specialist Teachers
A full-time Lower School counselor teaches all students, meets with groups and individuals, and is a resource for parents and faculty
Daily recess and physical education
10:1 Student:Teacher ratio
Lower School News
Last weekend, fifth-grade Hornet Sienna Herrera competed in the USA Swimming Georgia Short Course Age Group State Championship, held at Georgia Tech, and returned to Savannah significantly decorated!
Sienna was number 2 overall for points and below are her place results for each of her individual races (these rankings are out of every 9-10yo female who competed at the State Meet from the entire state of Georgia):
3rd place 500 Free
2nd place 200IM
2nd place 100 Free
4th place 50 Back
2nd place 100 Fly
2nd place 100IM
3rd place 50 Free
3rd place 50 Fly
3rd place 200 Free
Way to go, Sienna! You make Country Day proud!
The Lower School celebrated the 100th day of school on Friday, February 3 with a count to 100 led by first graders using the original Pape School bell that once belonged to Nina Anderson Pape! Kindergarteners donned outfits with 100 of their favorite things, and Junior Kindergarten celebrated 100 days as superheroes in their very own capes!
Feliz año nuevo! Spanish students in 3rd-5th grade participated in the Spanish custom, "Las Doce Uvas de la Suerte" ("The Twelve Lucky Grapes"), of eating 12 grapes for good luck in the New Year. In Spain, eating 12 grapes during the countdown to midnight on New Year's Eve is a tradition to bring good luck throughout the twelve months of the coming year.
Students in Mr. Eswine’s science class are celebrating the harvest by cooking up some vegetable stir fry — complete with fresh collards, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, snow peas, sweet potatoes and more! YUM!
For sale! For sale! Homemade keychains, original artwork, shark teeth, and more! Vendors' Market is a Lower School favorite, in which second graders "sell" specialty items to their classmates who shop with "money" earned through acts of responsibility and kindness. In addition to learning about entrepreneurship and budgeting, Vendors' Market is a wonderful showcase of student imagination and ingenuity.