Lower School
Kindergarten - 5th Grade
Our Lower School provides a nurturing, inclusive learning environment where our children in kindergarten through fifth grade develop a love of learning as our talented teachers build the foundation for a college preparatory education. Carlisle School fosters the unique gifts, talents, and leadership abilities in every child while helping them gain social and emotional intelligence. We invite our families to partner with Carlisle Lower School as we guide the students to “stand out, step up, and lead.”
Carlisle School embraces a philosophy of emotional and intellectual growth, enthusiasm for learning, creativity, and innovation in an environment where students develop strength in leadership through project-based learning. We hire exemplary teachers who customize learning for each student. When highly qualified teachers, motivated students, and committed parents partner together, the result is the cultivation of lifelong learning.
Looking through the window into any Lower School classroom, you will see teachers facilitating real-world learning and helping students build confidence. You will observe a rich environment that motivates each child to achieve their full potential every day. Students are actively asking questions, discussing, exploring, and experimenting, while nurturing their natural curiosity about the world. Teachers and students collaborate in pairs, small groups, and whole-group learning. MAP assessments and personal growth goals are used to individualize instruction. Each student also creates a personal portfolio that displays their ownership of learning in grades K-5.
When families make a commitment to their child’s education and school experience, it is always a defining moment. We encourage all of our families to actively participate in their child’s education, which is important to the success of the students and ultimately the school community.
Program Highlights
- Develops the “Whole Child” in a well-rounded, safe, and diverse environment.
- Promotes, through small class sizes, individual instruction, differentiation, critical thinking, and collaboration.
- Engages students through hands-on, project-based learning experiences which support academic instruction.
- Provides a digital learning environment, creating a ubiquitous learning atmosphere.
- Fosters future leaders through fine arts performances, student government, and public speaking opportunities.
- Builds a solid foundation for a college preparatory experience.
- Creates a collaborative working relationship between student-teacher-parent partnerships.
The Lower School experience is rich in activities beyond the four walls of the classroom.
Individual & Group Based Projects
Each grade level at Carlisle engages in meaningful individual and group projects that build confidence, creativity, and collaboration. From the Innovation Convention in 1st grade to the Wax Museum and Exposition in 5th, students showcase their learning through signature projects like the Greek Mythology Project in 3rd and Famous Virginians in 4th, creating milestone experiences they’ll never forget.
Field Trips
All students participate in a variety of field trip opportunities throughout the school year. Trips support and enrich the classroom curriculum.
Spanish Language & Culture
We believe in the value of introducing students to a second language early on. Spanish Language and Culture instruction begins in preschool and continues through fifth grade, focusing on conversation, cultural understanding, and building a strong foundation for future learning.
Physical Education
Students in Lower School participate in a daily 30-minute physical education class.
Technology
The school incorporates a best-practice approach by integrating technology at all levels. iPads are used to enrich the curriculum. The fifth grade students participate in the Keyboarding Without Tears program. All students in kindergarten through fifth grade learn in a one-to-one device environment. Students in third through fifth grade integrate the G-Suite for Education.
STEAM
A STEAM laboratory is available to students in grades Preschool through 5th in order to enhance the classroom experience.
Guidance
With a full-time school counselor and nurse on campus, Carlisle provides comprehensive support for students’ well-being. Students also participate in weekly guidance classes that nurture their social, emotional, and academic growth.
Performing Arts
The arts serve a unique purpose in the educational development of each student. Classes strive to encourage and nurture each child’s natural creativity and curiosity. Students in the first through fifth grades participate in their own drama/musical production each year. Weekly music and creative movement classes focus on musical awareness, sensitivity, vocal development, and fine motor skill. Third-grade students learn how to play the recorder, and Fourth and Fifth-grade students participate in choir.
Visual Arts
Classes use a variety of media, such as acrylics, crayons, pastels, and clay, to refine individual styles. Hands-on instruction, integrated with proper art terms and tools, serves to explain each project and its purpose. Art history helps students understand how the arts have played a dramatic role in cultural development and history.
Student Council (SCA)
The Lower School SCA is composed of four elected officers and six or more class representatives. The SCA is responsible for organizing activities throughout the school year. Elections for the officers and representatives are held in September. The SCA leads service-learning projects and acts as ambassadors for our school.
Clubs
Students in grades 3-5 participate in clubs each month. Club options include Creative Makers, Disney, Kindness, Bingo, Diamond Dots, Mystery, Sketchy, STEAM, and FIT Club.
Mentoring Program
The Carlisle School Mentoring Program pairs each Lower School student with an Upper School student and together they build a lasting friendship as they work together on various service activities throughout the year. Mentoring is a favorite activity, not only for the students but also for the faculty and parents of Carlisle students.
Character. Intellect. Leadership.
Carlisle School is an independent college preparatory school empowering students to achieve their personal best by fostering a community of character, intellect, and leadership.