Lower School Academics
In the Lower School (3rd-5th Grade), our curriculum builds upon the foundational skills established in the primary years, transitioning students toward deeper critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and sophisticated communication.
At A Glance.
Orton-Gillingham trained faculty
Singapore Math (Dimensions)
Inquiry-Based Science
Core Knowledge Social Studies
Explicit instruction + rich reading = confident communication.
Reading and Writing
Developing strong readers and writers is central to our mission. Our faculty is trained in the Orton-Gillingham Approach, a direct, multisensory, and sequential method for teaching literacy. This expertise, combined with individual attention and exposure to diverse texts, ensures our students become enthusiastic readers who can clearly express their ideas.
Program Highlights:
- strengthening reading comprehension and written expression
- engaging with more sophisticated texts across various genres
- learning to read critically to distinguish fact from fiction and to use textual evidence to support their thinking
- mastering grammar and mechanics
- decoding and defining a richer, more diverse vocabulary
Math
The goal of our mathematics curriculum is to empower students to think creatively, flexibly, and critically, growing them into confident math students and problem solvers. Using the Dimensions Math series from Singapore Math, concepts are introduced through a tangible approach, moving from manipulatives and pictures to more abstract representations. Tools like bar modeling and number bonds help foster a strong number sense. Hands-on practice and real-world applications are hallmarks of the HDS math education.
Program Highlights:
- instruction to help students become confident problem solvers with the depth of understanding for success in algebra
- multiplying and dividing multi-digit numbers, fractions, decimals, ratios, expressions, equations, and inequalities.
- frequent assessments to ensure differentiated instruction, providing support or challenge as needed
Social Studies
We believe that, for our students to make a positive impact on the world, they must first develop a deep understanding of history and geography. Through the Core Knowledge series, our students develop a sense of diverse civilizations, cultures, and concepts.
Program Highlights:
- Units of study integrate civics and the arts, blending US and world history with crucial geography and map skills. Students explore a variety of times and places, learning to observe patterns of change and understand how people and groups relate to one another.
- Faculty bring history to life by modeling empathy and respect for diverse perspectives, consistently seeking connections between current and past events.
- History comes to life through hands-on activities, exploration of artwork, and examination of literature from different cultures.
- Units include The Vikings, Dynasties of China, Early Russia, and Feudal Japan, The Renaissance, in addition to The Thirteen Colonies, American Reformers, Westward Expansion, and The Civil War.
Science
Recognizing that children are naturally curious, our science curriculum encourages students to question and explore the world around them actively. Our science labs, classrooms, and outdoor spaces provide meaningful, interactive opportunities for discovery.
Program Highlights:
- Instruction is designed to build on prior knowledge, with units covering earth, physical, and life sciences, increasing in complexity each year.
- Students explore through inquiry-based learning, with units focused on Earth’s water system, matter, forces and energy, life cycles, and electricity and magnetism.
- A key emphasis is the scientific method, as students are encouraged to be creative, curious, and open-minded investigators.
