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Lower School

Our Lower School program builds the foundation for academic excellence through integrated, project-based learning. This hands-on approach develops a myriad of skills including critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Our focus is to ensure that every student develops a solid sense of self, a passion for learning, and a growth mindset that prepares them to approach new challenges with creativity and vigor.

The combination of small classes, inspiring teachers, and experiential learning methods ensure that every student’s education is tailored to meet their needs.

"Education is not an affair of 'telling' and being told, but an active and constructive process."

-John Dewey, Father of Progressive Education

Our K-5 Lower School consists of one section per grade level with 15-20 students. Our curriculum focuses on hands-on, project-based learning which is integrated across subject areas. For example, our 3rd Grade Park City History Unit involves field trips to local historical sites, watercolor drawings of landmark buildings, written monologues of characters from Park City's past, a performance in the voice of that character. Our standards and learning outcomes are embedded in each thematic unit and students are held to a high academic standard. Finally, our Strive for Five Core Values are woven into all we do to ensure positive character development and global citizenship. 

View the full Park City Day School Educational Philosophy here and the K-8 Curriculum Guide here. 

Lower School parents can expect:

  • A safe, intimate community in which each child is known and cared for.
  • High-quality academic programs in literacy and math and a full slate of specialist classes. 
  • A commitment to meeting each child's needs both academically and socially.
  • A desire to nurture and preserve a love of learning through authentic project-based learning. 
  • Detailed parent teacher conferences twice per year. 
  • Regular home communications including weekly newsletters.
  • A constructive partnership with a team of master homeroom and specialist teachers.
  • Ample opportunities to volunteer in the classroom and to be actively involved in your child's educational experience. 
     

 

Lower School students engage in:

  • An experiential learning environment that challenges students academically and supports them along the way.
  • An inclusive community of learners with exposure to multi-age buddy class pairings, all-school assemblies, and collaborative activities across grade levels.  
  • A warm, nurturing environment that inspires a joy of learning.
  • A supportive classroom setting that can meet individual needs while preparing children for the rigors of middle school.
  • Ample unstructured creative play time, often outdoors.
  • Specialist enrichment classes in science, Spanish, visual Arts, performing arts and wellness (PE).

Lower School Fast Facts

  • Each lower school lead teacher welcomes between 15-20 students in beautiful light-filled classrooms.
  • We maintain a school-wide student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1.
  • K-3 classrooms all include a lead teacher and an apprentice teacher.
  • K-5 students experience a full slate of specialist classes including the following:
    • Science Lab (twice per week)
    • Spanish Language (twice per week)
    • Performing Arts (twice per week)
    • Visual Arts (twice per week)
  • Overnight Outdoor Education trips begin in 3rd Grade.