Lower School | The Independence School

Building strong foundations with curiosity.

Lower School encompasses Grades 1-3, a time when children build the strong foundations that shape their future learning. During these years, students gain confidence as they discover that effort leads to success. They also develop essential social skills and positive character traits through meaningful interactions with others. Lifelong learning habits take root as instruction is enriched with experiences that go beyond the traditional curriculum, fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.

The Lower School Indy Experience

Lower School students embrace greater independence and meet increasing academic expectations, laying a solid foundation for the transition to the Intermediate Grades. Signature experiences like the Mammal Zoo in first grade and the Patriotic Program in third grade bring lessons to life in meaningful and memorable ways. Explore some of our Lower School curriculum highlights below.

Learning to Explore

Learning and playing in nature is a powerful part of the Independence experience in Lower School. With a dedicated Lower School science teacher guiding exploration, our 90-acre campus becomes an inspiring setting for discovery. Beginning in first grade, students use waders to study the creek, where streams serve as live science labs. Fallen trees, like Big Ben, invite reflection and imaginative play, while plants and flowers spark works of art. Sticks and branches become tools for measurement, and old paths and trails prompt curiosity about the history of the land. Research confirms what our students know well - time outdoors strengthens learning in every subject and supports overall health and well-being.

Learning to Learn

In grades 1-3, students don’t just learn facts - they learn how to learn. They develop strategies for thinking critically, solving problems, and organizing their ideas, gaining confidence in their ability to tackle new challenges. Through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and guided reflection, Lower School students discover how to approach tasks independently, ask thoughtful questions, and take ownership of their learning. These foundational skills set the stage for a lifetime of curiosity and academic success.

Learning to Communicate

Lower School students learn to communicate with increased confidence and clarity through a comprehensive approach to reading, writing, and speaking instruction. Reading instruction is rooted in research-based practices, including systematic phonics, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies that build strong, independent readers. Writing instruction begins with sentence structure and creative expression, then expands into a variety of genres such as narratives, opinion pieces, and informational writing. Throughout the year, students share their voices in lively class discussions, collaborative projects, and individual or group presentations. These meaningful experiences help students develop the written and oral communication skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Learning to Balance

At Independence, we recognize the importance of social-emotional learning because we know that a child’s ability to understand and manage emotions, build positive relationships, and approach challenges with confidence is essential for both personal and academic success. Students engage with research-based curriculum, which helps nurture their social-emotional competence alongside foundational learning skills. The program focuses on growth mindset and goal setting, emotion management, empathy and kindness, and problem-solving, equipping students with the tools to navigate both the classroom and the broader world with resilience, compassion, and confidence. In addition, students participate in a regularly scheduled Health and Wellness course that emphasizes personal health practices, mindful habits, and strategies for maintaining well-being in the digital world.

Learning to Lead

Student-led conferences are a powerful way to deepen student engagement and build confidence. By taking the lead in sharing their progress, goals, and reflections, students develop ownership of their learning and strengthen communication skills. These conferences also foster meaningful partnerships between students, teachers, and families—giving everyone a clearer, more personal view of the student’s growth and development.

Curriculum by Grade

Christy Koense

Meet Our Head of Early Childhood and Lower School, Christy Koense
"Lower School is a time of exploration, growth, and discovery. Our goal is to help each child develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning, while building the social and academic skills that will carry them through the years ahead."

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