At The Carmel School, our Lower School curriculum is designed to build essential skills for success in the Middle and Upper School programs.
Our Lower School provides a nurturing environment that fosters individualized learning and personal growth. With smaller class sizes and tailored curriculum, students receive more focused attention, which can help them build a strong academic foundation and develop essential social skills. This early, personalized approach often sets the stage for lifelong learning and success.
Welcome to Lower School, Wildcat!
Preschool
Our preschool program caters to both three and four-year-olds.
Our youngest wildcats get the opportunity to engage in academic activities as well as recreation and rest, mirroring the Lower School schedule.
Learn more about our Preschool
Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade
For Kindergarten through fifth grade (K-5), our curriculum emphasizes developing both social and academic skills essential for effective learning.
Fostering Independent Learning
Students engage in higher-level thinking, problem-solving, technological applications, and writing processes, alongside community-building activities. This comprehensive approach aims to foster independent learning and strong community involvement.
Dedicated Faculty
In the Lower School, our student-to-teacher ratios are as follows: PK3: 8:1, JK: 9:1, K-5: 15:1.
Our dedicated faculty and tailored curriculum ensure that each student thrives and grows to their full potential.
Join Our Community
We cultivate a love of learning in a safe and nurturing environment, where students are encouraged to explore and grow. Our innovative approach includes the use of smart technology, enhancing students' educational experience and engagement. Join our school community and give your child the exceptional start they deserve!
Highlights of our Lower School Curriculum
Programs and Platforms
Our Lower School curriculum is based on Virginia State Standards. We use a variety of evidence-based platforms to teach reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history.
- Starting in third grade, Lower School uses Words Their Way for spelling.
- Starting in second grade, Lower School uses Wordly Wise for vocabulary.
- Lower School teaches D'nealian style in K-1 for manuscript and then moves to D’nealian cursive starting in third grade.
- We use Reading A to Z / Razz Kids for our reading curriculum and assess students on a quarterly basis.
- Our mathematics curriculum ties in MobyMax benchmarks with Reveal Math.
- History standards allow our students to dive deeper into Virginia history and US history in both third and fourth grades, and US Geography is introduced in fifth grade.
- Offering a Christian-based education is pivotal in developing our Wildcats, and we use the Positive Action Bible Curriculum in kindergarten through fifth grade for our Bible program.
Reading Specialist
We pride ourselves on having an in-house reading specialist who continuously monitors our Lower School students for both remediation and enrichment. We use Iowa State testing to assess our students.
Literacy and STEAM Week
- During Literacy Week held in the fall, our Lower School students immerse themselves in the joy of reading and storytelling, fostering a lifelong love of literacy.
- In the spring, during STEM Week, students are immersed in creativity and critical thinking through hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, helping students make meaningful connections across disciplines.
Encore and Specials
The Carmel School prides itself on offering a rich STEAM program that aligns with standards that are being taught in the classroom. Our encore program is an enrichment program offered to first, second, fourth, and fifth graders.
We also offer specials daily for our Lower School students, and we offer physical education, art, music, library, and STEAM.