Lower School

Supported and guided by the five Goals of Sacred Heart education, the Lower School offers instruction and hands-on learning for girls and boys in Grades 2 through 4. With a maximum of a 1:18 teacher-to-student ratio, each grade is taught by a team of educators who focus on a strong core curriculum of language arts, math, science and social studies. As part of our whole child approach, faculty specialists support the classroom teachers in the visual arts, performing arts (including music and creative movement), technology, physical education, religion and French.

The teachers live St. Madeleine Sophie's directive, "For the sake of one child," providing differentiated instruction that honors a child's gifts and limitations. A variety of methods are used within an integrated model, including explicit, experiential, project-based, student-led, cross-age and cross-curricular instruction, to draw upon different forms of learning. Students analyze and hypothesize. They explore and experiment. They research, write and present. They create and perform. They build relationships and practice creative problem solving.

A deep commitment to developing critical thinking skills and personal responsibility is evident at all times. Ongoing spiritual development and service to others is fostered through religion classes and morning prayer. Students engage in community-building activities, participate in service projects and develop the leadership skills that will be necessary to successfully transition to middle school.