Lower School Academics

Early Childhood

Our traditional pre-school programs begin with two-year olds and culminate in our transitional Kindergarten. Through teacher-directed group play and learning, your child develops math and reading skills, as well as valuable social and communication skills.

Classmates share exciting new discoveries with each other, while teachers encourage new and greater challenges appropriate to each child.

Our Montessori program begins with three-year-olds and encourages individual and student-directed learning according to the Montessori philosophy. Teachers observe as children explore their immediate world on their own, make their own choices, and learn to work without interruption. Children ages three through five share the same Montessori classroom, teacher, and learning tools, but enjoy very different experiences based on their own stages of personal development. Montessori students are prepared to transition directly into our traditional 1st grade.

No matter which program you choose, your young child will begin Spanish and will enjoy music, theater, art, Physical Education and technology as part of their academic program.

Kindergarten – 4th Grade

In Kindergarten through 4th grade, your child’s potential begins to surface in amazing ways.  Teachers set the stage for a solid understanding of mathematical concepts using the Envisions and Investigations mathmetics programs , and spelling, vocabulary and grammar unlock doors to outstanding reading and writing proficiency skills.

Social Studies topics introduced in pre-school are deepened with new levels of meaning and global awareness, and our Lower School Science Lab provides enriched opportunities for hands-on learning and experimentation. Your child continues to grow through foreign language immersion, and in 4th grade can participate in band and chorus in addition to art and theater. Novel studies begin, and reading skills progress from learning how to read to improving comprehension and literacy.

Special programs such as our EXL (pronounced Excel) Impact program are open to students in all grades, offering project-based learning experience using techniques from gifted and talented education.

Individual Student Growth Portfolios are a critical component of Lower School education at Davidson Day, allowing our teachers to ensure that each child is challenged and supported in making appropriate and profound progress in all areas through these developmental years.

For more information on our Lower School, click on the Lower School student icon at the top right. For detailed Lower School curriculum information, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .