Lower Elementary

Literacy in Kindergarten emphasizes daily reading practice to build fluency and accuracy. Grounded in the Science of Reading principles and the UFLI Foundations Phonics Program, teachers focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Through small group lessons, interactive activities, and engaging read-alouds, students develop strong foundational reading skills. They build a robust sight word vocabulary, allowing for fluent reading. By the end of the year, students will confidently decode words, recognize sight words, use an expanded vocabulary, gain comprehension strategies such as predicting, questioning, visualizing, and making connections, all while developing a love of reading.

Math in Kindergarten focuses on number sense, analytical and conceptual thinking, and problem-solving skills. Guided by the Singapore Math approach and other complementary programs, teachers use hands-on activities and mental math exercises to bring concepts like counting, place value, addition, subtraction, shapes, measurement, data analysis, and patterns to life. The curriculum builds a solid foundation for future math success, preparing students to apply their skills confidently.

Social Studies in Kindergarten focuses on building a strong foundation in understanding the world around them. Students explore their community, family, and environment, and develop a sense of belonging and citizenship while learning about different cultures and traditions.

Science in Kindergarten is guided by curiosity and exploration. Progressing from the tinker spaces in early childhood, our Kindergarten makers space allows students to investigate through inquiry-based learning and hands-on experimentation. Students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills by questioning, investigating, observing, and organizing gathered information about the physical world, properties of matter, weather patterns, and the water cycle. They also learn about life science through observing living and non-living things, plant growth, and the importance of sustainability. By the end of the year, Kindergarten students have a strong foundation for scientific inquiry and design thinking.

Our specialty classes are an integral part of our curriculum. By partnering with homeroom teachers, our specialty teachers enrich core subjects and foster real-world connections through cross-disciplinary learning. Students engage in a variety of specialty subjects daily through our rotating weekly schedule, nurturing curious and capable learners with a growth mindset.

Specialty classes include:

• P.E.: 3 times per cycle
• Visual Art: 2 times per cycle
• Music: 2 times per cycle
• Library: once per cycle
• Spanish: 2 times per cycle
• Digital Citizenship: once per cycle

At school, children learn valuable life skills that go beyond academics. Through interactions with peers and teachers, they develop a sense of community and learn to care for themselves, others, and the environment.

Our Gillispie Values – Integrity, Compassion, Attitude, Respect, and Effort (ICARE) – guide both students and faculty. These values form the foundation of our important work and shape our school culture. We work together as a community to create a joyful learning environment and a vibrant community that embodies kindness, honesty, empathy, hard work, and respect. We strive to exhibit these five ICARE values in all aspects of school life.

Additionally, our Responsive Classroom approach fosters collaboration among students. They learn to solve problems together, build confidence as a team, and create a nurturing environment where everyone feels safe and supported.

Beyond the school day, we offer a wide range of fee-based, enrichment opportunities. From creative arts like painting and ceramics, to theater, sports, movement, and STEM-focused programs like coding and space camp, there’s something for every interest. Our after-school programs and summer camps provide more ways your child can engage in learning opportunities throughout the year. Additionally, students can join our early morning running club!