Welcome to the Lower School
	A strong sense of community, an intellectually stimulating environment, and close attention to the social, emotional and physical needs of young children are hallmarks of our Lower School.  The Lower School division is comprised of kindergarten through fifth grades in coeducational classes. Our unique setting along Long Island Sound, which includes a rich and diverse salt marsh, Audubon trails, and Burying Hill Beach, allows us to take advantage of a sprawling “outdoor classroom"  for hands-on, active, learning.  Our facilities, built and renovated in 2002, provide us with spacious, light filled classrooms, a community assembly hall, a science lab, library, music and art rooms, a full gymnasium, and four wireless traveling computer labs.

	In the supportive atmosphere of small classes, our goal is to provide a nurturing environment in which children grow intellectually, realize personal creativity and competency, develop self-confidence, build enthusiasm for excellence and achievement, and gain respect for the diversity of the world around them.  Small group work, hands on learning, personal challenge and responsibility, and an appreciation for the connections among all disciplines are integral components of our program.  A thorough foundation in the liberal arts and sciences is complemented by instruction in foreign language, the arts, music, library, physical education, and computer technology. Multiple subjects are often integrated into an in-depth study of interwoven topics or themes. The result is a multi-faceted approach through which children gain observational skills, acquire factual information, and make connections to global topics beyond our school walls.

	Building a moral community in which each child makes a contribution is paramount.  Therefore, we emphasize kindness, honesty, cooperation, self-reliance and compassion, universal values that lead to the growth of inner sturdiness in every child. Our Code of Conduct, which every child knows by memory, asks that every member of the community follow three simple rules: •    Be kind to others. •    Respect everyone’s right to learn. •    Take responsibility for yourself and your school. Through daily class meetings, our family style lunch, community service and weekly assemblies, we emphasize the joy that can come from working together and being part of a learning community.  We pride ourselves on knowing every student and family well; we have a dedicated and talented faculty, and we care deeply about being a school in which strength of character and excellence in academics go hand in hand.