Academics

Lower School (K-5)

A Passion for Learning Begins

A love of learning is developed early on at Lake Ridge Academy. It's seen on our students' eager faces each day as they enter a vibrant learning community that ignites their curiosity. Here, children are known, challenged and celebrated in a nurturing environment distinguished by a caring faculty and small classes.

We know children learn best by doing, and our students actively engage in a rich, hands-on curriculum. Imagine fifth graders exploring the physics of speed and velocity outside on their winter sleds, as they craft their own experiments to get down the hill faster. Or second graders conducting a year-long study of their adopted trees to learn more about seasons, tap their own maple syrup, and gain creative inspiration to write their first poems.

Our child-centered learning approach encourages students to pursue their interests, think critically and creatively, and appreciate their impact on the community and larger world - all important skills that will serve them well throughout their educational journey and life.

Lower School Highlights

  • A Rich Curriculum

    Outstanding in its design, the curriculum encompasses the full breadth of academics including science, mathematics, language arts and social studies, and is enriched by integration with classes in music, visual art, technology, library, physical education, French and Spanish.

  • Social-Emotional Learners

    We guide our students to develop self-awareness and interpersonal skills necessary for success. Secure and confident learners are resilient when faced with challenges or failures. Developing a sense of belonging and an appreciation for others through empathy and advocacy is the result of our supportive and diverse environment.

  • Active and Authentic Learning

    Academic choice is the foundation of learning. Students are supported in taking responsibility for making decisions in the classroom. Active experimentation with materials and ideas help our students gain and reshape knowledge which engages them in their own learning as they make genuine connections to the world.

  • Natural World Education

    Our 93-acre campus, with fields, woods, stream and pond, serves as our most important classroom engaging our students’ innate sense of wonder and connection to the earth as they explore, research, problem-solve and determine their connection to the natural world.

The Lower School Experience

I think the coolest thing about Lake Ridge Academy is the teachers.

Christian
3rd Grade

Meet the Lower School Director

Dr. Rachel Donnelley-Smith
Dr. Rachel Donnelley-Smith
2 years at Lake Ridge Academy