The lower School

Little explorers

This is the beginning of a transformative experience. From the moment students walk through our doors, we focus on getting to know each child as an individual, and that deep connection helps them reach their full potential. Through strong instruction in reading and math, paired with rich experiences in STEM, music, art, physical education, and world languages, students engage in innovative, interdisciplinary learning that encourages meaningful connections across subjects.

We offer academic challenges that are developmentally appropriate, fostering a strong sense of community, friendship, and trust. As students discover the beauty and wonder of the world around them, we ignite their curiosity and encourage them to think about how the classroom connects to the world beyond the classroom.

Learning Beyond the Core

In addition to core subjects, our world language program — featuring Spanish, French, and Chinese — introduces students to global cultures and builds a solid foundation for lifelong language learning. Music, art, and physical education further support their well-being and personal growth.

Through service opportunities, our students learn the value of being engaged, compassionate citizens — both within the school community and beyond. Guided by Collegiate’s core values, our dedicated teachers work every day to deepen their relationships with students and families, ensuring a caring and dynamic learning environment.

Project-based learning is integrated throughout the curriculum, encouraging students to think critically and explore ideas deeply.

Curriculum

The Lower School experience is rich and reaches well beyond the classroom. A curriculum composed of traditional classroom study enhanced with small groups, project-based learning, exposure to languages, engineering, the arts, and physical education provides a diverse but solid foundation.

A focused exposure to many disciplines of study is an exhilarating experience for a young child and a solid first step toward a lifelong journey of learning.

STORIES FROM LOWER SCHOOL

Collegiate’s 4th Grade Capstone, Envision Collegiate

The Capstone program is a culminating effort; it complements and builds off ideas students have learned previously. As students advance through divisions, their mindsets expand with each Capstone, and they continue to complement the skills they learned in previous classes. That all begins in the Lower School, where foundations are built. By the end of the program, 4th Graders have a more sound understanding of how systems, seen both at Collegiate and elsewhere, operate.

STORIES FROM LOWER SCHOOL

The Building Blocks of Education

A strong command of technology has quickly become one of the more essential but newer skills for young people to grasp, encompassing everything from calculus to painting. Similar to learning a second language, fluency in technology — whether that be computer programming, artificial intelligence, or robotics — rounds out children’s literacy and, looking towards the future, possibly provides more sound career options. Just as Collegiate teachers are making sure their students can read and write, there are teachers that ensure the students are familiar with the ever-advancing technologies of our time.

Head of lower School

Khristi Bates

Khristi Bates Lower School Head

When children experience a strong sense of social and emotional safety and belonging, they are better prepared to explore, grow, and learn. These Lower School years are a vital time to nurture curiosity, creativity, playfulness, and meaningful connections. When learning is joyful and engaging, students are more willing to take intellectual risks, embrace challenges, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Khristi Bates

Head of lower School