Lower School Program

THE DAY SCHOOL has a rich, rigorous curriculum that inspires confidence, exploration, and creative expression.   We integrate Judaics into our program at every level, and integrate subjects with one another to make learning meaningful for our students.

Many of our classrooms are multiage. A multiage classroom is not simply the combining of two grades, but an educational philosophy that takes into consideration the benefits of  a more diversified group environment. This philosophy allows for learning to be optimized through more diverse interactions. Multiage classrooms offer opportunities for leadership, collaboration, confidence and intellectual growth.

A multiage grouping means that children of a two- or three-year span are grouped together heterogeneously in one classroom and stay with the teacher for that period of time.... This concept decreases transition times in the beginning of the school year as only one-half or one-third of the students are new. Teachers spend less time diagnosing student needs and setting up classroom procedures. Learning begins at the beginning. Students are grouped for instruction by skills rather than by grade levels. Students are then able to work at their own pace, increasing the opportunity for challenging learning activities and learning based on their own instructional level.

A multiage class is formed by deliberately placing students together with differences in age and abilities in order to facilitate the overall development of each child within a family-like community of learners. Students stay with the same teacher for more than one year.

        Mathematics introduces students to basic number concepts, both abstract and concrete, and then prepares them for rigorous Algebra I and II in the Middle School.
   
      Science is based upon a learning-through-discovery approach. Curiosity is encouraged, whether learning about the solar system or being introduced to Chemistry and Genetics. A strong emphasis is placed upon scientific questioning, discovery, lab work, and safety.
   
      Hebrew begins in Kindergarten and continues through Eighth Grade. With use of the Language Lab, students enhance their abilities to read and converse in Hebrew, which is highly individualized and interactive. Beginning in Sixth Grade, students receive instruction in how to read the Torah, how to chant Trope , and how to interpret the Hebrew prayer book. This provides them with an excellent foundation for their Bar and Bat Mitzvah.
   
      Language Arts utilizes theme-based literature with an emphasis on research and writing skills. Students are encouraged to examine ideas and demonstrate creative and critical thinking in unique ways.
   
      Social Studies explores the geography, history, and cultures of our world. Students are able to analyze significant societal trends and events through research, student reenactment, field trips, guest lecturers, and creative presentations.
   
      Judaics provides students with a sense of Jewish community and values as it thoroughly orients them to synagogue life. Our unique approach integrates Jewish concepts into secular studies.
   
      Art inspires students through the study of various artists, techniques, and through hands-on exploration of a wide variety of media, encourages them to express their individual abilities.
   
      Music introduces students to various composers, musical styles, and musical theories. In addition, students attend concerts of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Opera. They receive instruction on instruments such as recorder and keyboard to enhance their understanding of rhythm, sound, and musical concepts.