Welcome to Lower School

Great stories begin here...

Susan Naretto, Head of Lower School

Students at Laguna Blanca's Lower School join a community dedicated to the education of the mind and heart. Under the guidance of a caring faculty, the children gain self-confidence and develop an eagerness for learning that builds a strong foundation for their future academic endeavors.

The Lower School curriculum provides a well-balanced, integrated program that emphasizes the daily teaching of reading, writing, listening, speaking, mathematics, and social studies. Teachers incorporate literature-based strategies into a program that has a strong skills-building component. Classic children’s literature and other books, both fiction and nonfiction, are used as direct and supplementary materials for language arts. From constructing number meaning to advanced understanding of abstract concepts, the students gain an understanding of the use and importance of mathematics. Geography, history, and citizenship are integral components of our social studies curriculum at each grade level.

The core curriculum is enhanced by the study of music, art, science, physical education, technology, library skills, and Spanish. Each specialist works closely with the classroom teachers to create a rich and stimulating program. The specialists work with small and large groups for long and short-term goals and plan for success according to the needs of individual students and the class as a whole. The active integration of curriculum, projects, and activities enriches student understanding and creates a dynamic learning environment.

Laguna Blanca School offers a curriculum with a traditional foundation, which is approached in creative ways. The teachers continually examine current research and implement new methodologies and resources. In the hands of our dedicated and experienced faculty, the Lower School curriculum comes alive and reaches out to engage each child and the class in exciting and collaborative activities and projects.

Equally important as academic learning is the social development of students. Through the Keys to Citizenship program, the students learn to solve their differences and develop empathy for others. Using the five keys of kindness, respect, responsibility, honesty, and service, students are encouraged to “open their minds and hearts” to others by doing their best in both their academic and social lives at school. By modeling these traits and giving the students many opportunities to learn and practice social skills through discussion and role-playing, the students grow in respect for others and develop an appreciation for diversity.