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Lower School | 1st - 4th

Prepared to realize their dreams.

Lower School at Independence includes the Early Elementary (Grades 1-3) and Grade 4, the first of two Intermediate Grades (4-5). During these important foundation years of 1st through 4th grade students become more comfortable with the process of learning and are willing and able to apply themselves as they grow to understand that they hold the keys to their own success. They learn how to engage with others and with positive, caring character.

In these years, lifelong learning habits are established through instruction and experience that is so much more than the delivery of curriculum. Each student is motivated and challenged at his or her own individual stage of development, thanks in part to our faculty’s deep understanding of how children learn. Students also benefit through the introduction in Lower School of our unique LeApps™ curriculum, which utilizes current brain research to help them understand how learning actually happens.

Milestones and Memories

The Lower School program exposes children to a wondrously diverse range of ideas and subject matter and foster connections between lessons from different areas of study. Some all-time favorite experiences include projects to celebrate the 100th day of 1st grade, 3rd grade's Patriot Program, and Business Session in 4th grade. Take a look at some of our Lower School curriculum highlights below.

Head of Lower School

Christy Koense

Christy Koense oversees grades 1-3.