Academics

Lower School: Grades 1-4

“The way to do much in a short time is to love much. People will do great things if they are stirred with enthusiasm and love.”

- Janet Erskine Stuart, R.S.C.J.

Creativity and intellectual curiosity are encouraged within a strong academic framework in the Lower School. All of the programs are enriched through specialization classes in art, library, music, physical education, computer, and French.

Core subjects

Click on the links below to learn more about the curriculum and expectations for each grade level:

 

Science Lab

The new Lower School Science Room will encourage collaborative thinking and hands-on investigations through laboratory experimentation.  The science lab will provide our First through Fourth Grade students with an environment that will encourage scientific inquiry, the process of asking questions, problem solving and conducting experiments, in order to understand the natural world. This room will support our METALS (Math, Engineering, Technology, Art, Logic, and Science) curriculum, allowing for additional space to explore, collaborate and expand our boys' depth of understanding in these disciplines which contributes to their love of learning.

Enrichment Classes

Physical education, art, computer, French, music, and library are offered to enhance the academic and personal development of the students.

  • The Regan Tinker Lab serves as a maker’s space for our youngest learners to problem solve, innovate, wonder, and tinker with various materials and the world around them. The lab supports our METALS curriculum, and will include discovery activities in the disciplines of Math, Engineering, Technology, Art, Logic, and Science. Each week, boys in grades PK3-2nd will be presented with tasks or challenges to complete in the lab that are directly connected to current themes and curricula. The lab is equipped with child-sized tools, nails, screws, bolts, pegs, and more. Additionally, the lab houses amenities that include a drafting table, magnetic wall, light discovery table, a cozy think-tank space, art supplies and media, and a Lego wall just to name a few. We are looking forward to seeing our boys grow and challenge themselves in this fun and exciting environment!

  • Lower school visual art students expand their understanding of the Elements of Art as foundational concepts for visual thinking. Meaningful lessons are designed as a means of developing imaginative, narrative, and observational ideas. Art materials, vocabulary, techniques, and processes are introduced and developed in a spiral-type curriculum. Lower school students are encouraged to explore and express their original ideas in 2D and 3D media. When possible, the larger curriculum is integrated along with studying the role of artists and art in our society. Social skills and respect of one another is emphasized throughout our creative community.

  • Lower School physical education concentrates on fundamental sports skills such as passing a football and dribbling a basketball. Games of low organization allow for the practice of these skills in a game-like setting. Physical fitness is developed through working at fitness stations and participating in the Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge. There is a fitness activity each class period to support sports skills. Individual fitness records are maintained and names of record-holders are prominently displayed.  

  • Stuart Hall is a technology-rich environment. There are data projectors, large screen monitors, and interactive whiteboards in every 1st through 4th grade classroom. A set of iPads can be found in every 1st and 2nd grade classroom; 3rd and 4th grade classrooms each have a complete set of Chromebooks specifically for their use. The boys also attend a formal computer class, where they learn keyboarding, navigating the internet, basic programming, computer history, digital photo and video editing, Lego Robotics, and web design.

  • The Music program offers a variety of opportunities to suit the talent and abilities of students of all ages. Lower school students begin to learn the basics of note reading and counting. They appply that knowledge to playing glockenspiels, xylophones and performing on hand bells. These exercises demonstrate the students' abilities to read musical rhythms, as well as recognize the notes they are playing. Throughout the entire music curriculum, students continue to sing and perform for First Fridays and special programs.

  • Library classes begin with PK3 and continue through our boys' time here at Stuart Hall. Visiting authors on campus bring the book writing process to life for the students. The curriculum includes a portion of library class when the boys are read aloud to throughout their time at Stuart Hall.

  • Life Skills are taught PK4-7th Grade using the Second Step Program. The program has four core areas: empathy training, impulse control, anger management, and problem solving. Social Skill groups are offered to grades 1st-7th. The purpose of the groups is to increase student’s awareness of their strengths and life’s challenges. The school counselor works closely with the parents, teachers and administrators to assist all students to progress and prosper.

  • Our Lower School Religion program is dynamic and comprehensive. It starts with Old Testament stories that build a foundation for the New Testament. Our boys learn foundational prayers and traditions, and songs. The curriculum focuses on building identity as children of God (First Grade), learning about sacraments (Second Grade), the life of the Church and discipleship (Third Grade) and on the ten commandments and the fulfillment of the law in Jesus Christ (Fourth Grade). Aside from this, the boys go on religion field trips, do special service projects, perform skits, and participate in liturgies throughout the year. In addition, each grade sponsors a mass tied to the quality of the month. Religion meets four times a week for grades 1st - 4th, and is considered a core subject for 3rd and 4th grades. 

  • In Lower School, the boys learn social basic skills they can use not only while travelling but also in their everyday life. For example introducing themselves, asking if they can play with someone, ordering drinks and food at a restaurant are situations that give them control and confidence.

    The French foreign language program also explores various aspects of the French culture such as Gustave Eiffel and his Eiffel Tower and the inside of the Statue of Liberty, Frederic Bartholdi and the Statue of Liberty, “The Little Prince” and his author Antoine de St Exupery, diverse sport events, geography, metric system, and so much more. As part of the integrated curriculum, new vocabulary is often introduced in conjunction with the regular classroom units of study.  For example, the third graders use the numbers in French while using and learning about the Metric System or while working on multiplications. As the French program gets more advanced,  the boys have a better understanding of the language mechanisms and can more easily make connections. With the use of grammar, they are able to start making  their own sentences and feel excited and empowered.

“It is part of your great vocation as teachers and parents to prepare children to be brave, accustom them to the dangers in life, train judgments, strengthen their wills, make them loyal to their conscience, and then, trusting in God’s grace, give the boys to their work and to life.”

- Mother Janet Erskine Stuart, R.S.C.J.