Lower School
Quick links » Experiential Learning / Foreign Lang. / Visual & Performing Arts / Transition to Middle School
Green Hedges Lower School, Grades 1 – 5, provides a robust, comprehensive academic program enriched by instruction in foreign language, the arts, physical education and technology. Through a rigorous curriculum and hands-on study, we expose students to the complexities of the world around them. This range of years, marks a period of dramatic cognitive and intellectual growth and our Lower School provides a warm, nurturing environment where children flourish emotionally, academically and physically.
Students move from emergent reading to literary analysis, simple addition to algebraic concepts, understanding local communities to comparing major world religions and from the metamorphosis of a butterfly to complex lab experiments. Open discussions encourage students to express their opinions and listen to the views of their peers. Teachers strive to provide a strong academic foundation which fosters intellectual curiosity and a joy of learning. They work diligently to develop in each student: the confidence to think independently, perseverance, optimism, and appreciation for the arts, kindness, respect for cultural differences and a sense of wonder.
A hallmark of the Green Hedges’ community is our emphasis on regular and timely school-wide communication as well as the parent-teacher partnership.
Experiential Learning
Learning occurs in the classroom and beyond at Green Hedges. Each class participates in field trips throughout the year, taking advantage of the School’s proximity to the DC metropolitan area and all it has to offer. Authors, artists, musicians, storytellers and speakers visit the School to share their expertise and experiences enriching various topics of study.
Foreign Language
Foreign language instruction, which begins in the Montessori program, continues in Grade One with a more comprehensive study. In keeping with the development of the child, lessons now include reading and writing, formal grammar, French history and culture. In Grade 5, students have the choice of continuing with their study of French or switch to Spanish. All students begin a study of Latin in Grade 5.
Visual & Performing Arts
Green Hedges’ visual art program stimulates multi-sensory learning. Individualism and ingenuity are celebrated. Lower School students learn the basic elements of art and how to apply them to different media ranging from watercolor to clay sculptures. Projects encompass one-to-two sessions with direct connections to homeroom studies. In Lower School, the process is emphasized over the actual product. Students are encouraged to try new media and become open to learning new techniques.
Green Hedges’ performing arts program in another hallmark of what we offer students. A highlight each year, and in adherence with the School’s philosophy, students in Grades 1 – 5 participate in class plays. Additionally, students participate in weekly assemblies where they practice public speaking by sharing experiences or making announcements.
Lower School Transition to Middle School
Lower and Middle School faculty work closely together to ensure that students seamlessly transition to Middle School.
Learn more about Green Hedges Middle School »
