Lower School
The goal of the Lower School at York Country Day School is to educate children in a supportive environment, emphasizing
- high academic standards
- music and visual arts
- physical and emotional development
- the formation of good character.
Thinking skills are emphasized.
The curriculum focuses on developing thinking skills in the children so they are poised to become lifelong learners. Highlights:- Literature-based reading program in grades 1 and 2
- Junior Great Books used as a part of the language arts curriculum in grades 2-5
- Concept and skill-based mathematics program
- Hands-on science instruction in the lower school science lab
- Computer instruction integrated with the curriculum
Each child is helped to work to fullest potential.
- Children are challenged at levels designed to stretch their academic development.
- Small Group Instruction program in language arts for grades 2-5 offers a direct multi-sensory instruction for students who benefit from this teaching style.
Arts are an important part of the curriculum.
Both a full-time music teacher and a visual arts teacher provide many opportunities for children to explore and develop skills and knowledge in the arts. Arts are offered through- visual arts classes incorporating both dicussion of artists and student art, and art history
- music and chorus classes
- instrumental lessons beginning in grade 4
- musical performances and art exhibits
Additional areas balance the curriculum.
Technology is integrated into content areas. In addition, specialists teach in the following areas
- French language instruction (Spanish option at grade 5)
- Physical Education classes
- Health and guidance classes
- Music
- Visual arts
Character development underlies all lessons.
Teachers develop lessons based on the eight virtues of the school:
- Responsibility
- Perseverance
- Kindness and compassion
- Citizenship
- Respect
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Trustworthiness