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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. 

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 students to unwind and spend time with classmates. Many of our students choose to participate in the after-school program and get involved with various clubs and activities.

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


A Day in the Life: Lower School

Lower School At a Glance

 

First through fifth grades are housed in Pressly hall, a 53,000-square foot, LEED Certified building

Progressive technology mixes 1:1 iPads (JK- 2nd), 1:1 laptops (3rd- 5th) and a Media center with Mac computer lab

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

Wedding of Q and U
Wedding of Q and U

Kindergartners recently dressed in their finest attire to attend a very special wedding between the letters Q and U. This playful phonics celebration is a time-honored tradition that helps young learners understand why these two letters are almost always paired together in words like “quick,” “quiet,” and “quilt.” Complete with a ceremony, dancing, and plenty of smiles, the event brought language lessons to life in the most memorable way.

Jenkins Hall Reopening
Jenkins Hall Reopening

The newly renovated Jenkins Hall recently reopened its doors! The building which previously housed Lower School art and music was reimagined into a more modern hub that now includes a dedicated space for Junior Kindergarten through 2nd grade science. The space is already buzzing with excitement as students dive into hands-on learning and discovery.

2025 Summer Camp Registration! NOW OPEN
2025 Summer Camp Registration! NOW OPEN

Country Day is pleased to offer a multitude of summer camp offerings for 2025. Children will have the opportunity to meet new friends, explore activities they love, and (most of all) have FUN! Click here to learn more. Registrations for Camp Moon River, Rise-Up Ready, and assorted Athletic Camps are open now. Registrations for Ecology Camp will open soon!

1st Grade Wildlife Studies
1st Grade Wildlife Studies

Last week our first graders took an exciting trip to Georgia Southern’s Wildlife Education and Raptor Center for a chance to explore and learn about different animal habitats and ecosystems. Students got the opportunity to touch reptiles like snakes and crocodiles, observe a live raptor flight demonstration, and deepen their understanding of the roles these animals play in their environments. The experience enriched their classroom learning and fostered a deeper appreciation for Georgia’s wildlife.

Greek Heritage Celebration
Greek Heritage Celebration

Our 5th graders recently concluded their unit on ancient Greece with the 3rd annual Greek Heritage Celebration. As part of their social studies curriculum, students used books, databases, and online resources to research topics such as architecture, daily life, art, and the Olympics. They organized their findings into presentations that they delivered to their peers, then they applied their understanding of mythology by reimagining Greek myths that they then performed for their class. The students also engaged in different hands-on activities such as learning traditional greek dances and sampling Greek food. This interdisciplinary project provided a meaningful connection between research, history, and performance.

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.