Lower School - Pace Academy

Lower School - Pace Academy Lower School Welcome to the Lower School! The Kam Memar Lower School is a place of joy, purpose and belonging, where every student, teacher and parent is a welcome and important part of our community. Our youngest students enjoy extraordinary resources—people, programs and facilities—as they grow and become prepared, confident citizens of the world. The faculty is the heart and soul of the Lower School, and our teachers are experts in how young children learn. The center of a student’s experience is the homeroom, where they develop a strong academic foundation and study habits as readers, writers, mathematicians and global thinkers. Teachers—two in every homeroom—design lessons for both whole-group and small-group instruction, meeting students at different levels of accomplishment with the appropriate amount of challenge and support. Morning meetings, closing circles and classroom contracts help students feel a sense of belonging to and responsibility for their classroom communities, and they learn to take increasing ownership of their learning. Specialist teachers bring particular expertise and passion to their subject areas, allowing students to dive more deeply into STEAM—including Design Thinking, science, technology and art—as well as general music and strings, Spanish, library and physical education. They work collaboratively with the homeroom and associate teachers in the development of the whole child. Play is a vital part of every child's learning, and we know from experience that students learn better when they have free play during their time at school. Our students enjoy unstructured play time on the World’s Greatest Playground during daily recess, early morning drop-off and after-school Knight Crew. The Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL), a signature program at Pace, is integrated throughout the Lower School curriculum and develops students’ empathy and curiosity as they engage with some of the most pressing issues of our time. Through asking questions and learning about an annual global theme, students come to understand that they can and do make a difference in the lives of others—in the Pace community and around the world. Most importantly, Pace students learn how to be good people. In the Lower School, we prioritize character education through the Noble Knights program. Students move on to Middle School as compassionate and thoughtful citizens, prepared for whatever lies ahead. Lower School Hours Pre-First: 7:55 a.m.–2:15 p.m. Grades 1-5: 7:55 a.m.–3 p.m. Knight Crew (Optional): 2:15 – 6 p.m. Students in the Lower School Classroom and special-subject teachers Percent students of color in the Lower School Students in an average Lower School class All Global Studies Literacy Math Music Physical Education STEAM Science Technology Visual Art World Language Global Studies Literacy Math Music Physical Education Science STEAM Technology Visual Art World Language Above all, we want to develop good people, and we know that when it comes to character, paying attention to the little things makes a big impact. As a way of living out our mission, ”To create prepared, confident citizens of the world who honor the values of Pace Academy,” the Lower School weaves character education into all aspects of the curriculum. Through our Noble Knights’ Pillars of Character program, students learn and practice the character skills of EMPATHY CURIOSITY COLLABORATION RESPECT LEADERSHIP and PERSEVERANCE . These skills are implemented as teachers establish class norms and guidelines. Through monthly lessons, class conversations, books, individual recognition, opportuni ties for school-wide community engagement, leadership and challenge, Pace students become Noble Knights. Read More About Character Education Academic Resource Center Soni Family Library Fifth-Grade Study Hall Mental Wellness In partnership with parents and teachers, The Lower School ARC Director and Learning Specialists monitor the academic needs of students and provide targeted intervention using researched based materials and teaching practices. Students are able to receive support in foundational reading skills, comprehension, written and verbal expression, executive functioning, and math fluency and problem solving skills. With support, students develop confidence and learn strategies that allow them to be successful at each grade level. The Soni Family Library , includes quiet nooks for reading, designated spaces for small-group work, a video conferencing area and open shelving. The Lower School Library offers students and teachers convenient access to literature and technology. In collaboration with teachers, the library staff guides students as they search for information, supporting classroom work and presenting enjoyable reading materials. During scheduled library visits, our librarians read to each class, teach information literacy skills and assist students with book selection. The library is available for research sessions, both during scheduled visits and individual time slots. The librarians, in consultation with teachers, parents, students and professional organizations, select appropriate resources for the library throughout the year. Our vast collection is expanded and enhanced by student book donations during the annual book fair. Extensive summer reading lists for all grade levels are composed to engage and inspire interest in both classics and contemporary writing. Monday through Thursday, fifth-grade students are offered study hall after school. This supervised time allows students to complete assignments in a setting where teacher assistance and guidance is available, if needed. The Lower School Counseling team strives to support the Pace community by promoting students' social and emotional wellness through programming, individual and group counseling, and partnerships with parents and teachers. Learn More About Lower School Mental Wellness