Curriculum Overview: Pre-K–4

As our mission states,

“we teach our students to think critically and creatively, to develop joyful curiosity…”

Throughout the Lower School experience, our program is designed to inspire children’s natural excitement for learning. As students secure foundational skills and advance through the grades, the curriculum challenges them with an increased emphasis on problem solving and higher-level critical thinking skills.

“...to embrace challenge and apply that knowledge with confidence…”

We are ambitious for students. Tower teachers know curriculum, best practice, and children. Whether it’s mastering geography skills, participating in a collaborative science experiment, completing an independent reading project, or demonstrating solid procedural knowledge in a challenging multi-step math problem, students embrace the challenge that teachers provide. Confident in their learning, our students are prepared to advocate for themselves and reach beyond their comfort zones.

“...and to thrive within a community rich with diverse perspectives and talents.”

Social learning is an important aspect of the Lower School experience. Tower teachers understand and guide children’s broadening perception of the world. Understanding and working with difference is a crucial academic skill and builds sophistication. Human interactions over real behaviors lead to deeper learning. Through age-appropriate processing of social issues and a strong home/school connection, Lower School students contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.

Visit Tower and you will see students working with determination and joy. Our teachers set high expectations and help students to attain their own personal levels of excellence. By the end of the fifth grade, Tower students are confident in their academic and social skills, understand themselves as learners, and are connected to the Tower community and beyond.