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OVERVIEW/CURRICULUM
The Chandler Lower School curriculum fosters intellectual curiosity and achievement in its students while nurturing their emotional and social development. Our lower school program emphasizes basic skill development and encourages children to become confident learners. Our academic programs are challenging, but age appropriate. Composition, mathematics, science, social studies and foreign language are all taught within a structured classroom environment. Our language arts program includes a phonics-based reading program in kindergarten through second grade. Beginning in third grade our reading program is literature based with students reading and analyzing novels, poetry, and short stories throughout the year. Additionally, learning outside the classroom is encouraged. Frequent field trips and visiting speakers enhance our academic programs.
We use Character Counts, a nationally known program as a framework for our children to learn and practice the Six Pillars of Character: respect, fairness, citizenship, responsibility, caring, and trustworthiness.
At each grade level, homework assignments are given to reinforce or enrich classroom experiences. While there are no time limits on homework, the length and type of assignment given is age appropriate at each grade level.
Our math curriculum in the lower school sets out to ensure that children have a firm understanding of a variety of basic math concepts. In kindergarten there is an emphasis on patterning, sorting, classifying and reinforcement of skills such as counting and sequencing numbers. In grades one through four, children work on whole number computation, geometry, measurement, fractions and decimals whole number operations. In fifth grade students review the basics and explore number systems, estimation, computation, probability and two and three dimensional geometry.
Our state of the art Science Lab allows us to provide students with solid science training. Students in grades kindergarten through five visit the lower school science lab weekly in small groups of 10 or 12 for a hands-on introduction to basic science concepts and techniques. The children in the Lower School cover the basics of science investigation with an emphasis on the physical, Earth and biological sciences.
Physical education classes and athletic activities form a regular part of the daily schedule for all Lower School students. The purpose is to develop self-esteem, pride and an appreciation of teamwork through physical and motor development. More formal activities begin in third grade and include basic fundamental instruction and sportsmanship, together with physical fitness and recreational pursuits.
Our Foreign Language program is meant to enrich and enhance our students’ appreciation of French and Spanish culture. All Lower School children participate in this program. Children meet with their instructors twice weekly for half-hour lessons. Children study both French and Spanish in any given year. Our program focuses on building oral language skills through the use of games, songs and fun activities. By the time the children reach Middle School, they are capable of making an informed choice about the language they wish to study formally.
Beginning in kindergarten, children in the lower school begin their exploration of the world through a social studies curriculum that serves to expose children to new ideas and to widen their knowledge about their community and beyond. Children learn geographical locations and concepts throughout the grades.
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