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Program

Lower School

Our Lower School emphasizes a strong sense of community and teamwork. We promote innovative teaching styles and a diverse curriculum with a focus on hands-on learning and student engagement.
Collaboration among teachers is highly valued, allowing for a vertically aligned curriculum that ensures continuity and individualized support for students. The community at PCD is characterized by collaboration, celebration, and acceptance of differences, where students support and cheer for one another.

The Lower School capitalizes on students' individuality, utilizing their differences as strengths while providing a rigorous curriculum that integrates life experiences and diverse talents. PCD stands out from other schools due to its community-driven approach, where teachers work together in planning and every teacher knows each student by name, creating a family-like atmosphere.

Cultivating curiosity at PCD means celebrating individuality and fostering an environment where students explore, learn, and ask questions. When parents walk through the school, they notice the strong sense of community and the presence of teachers throughout the building, engaging with students and each other. PCD develops confident students who are academically prepared, curious, and compassionate individuals.

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  • 90

    Students enrolled in the Lower School

  • 14

    Faculty at the Lower School

Learn more about...

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  • The Lower School Curriculum

    English Language Arts (ELA)
    We are using EngageNY for English Language Arts, a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that focuses on developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Through carefully structured lessons, students engage with a wide variety of texts, build critical thinking skills, and deepen their understanding of language. EngageNY fosters both foundational literacy and higher-order thinking, providing a strong base for student progress. Our approach is hands-on, as students actively engage with texts, participate in discussions, and work through projects that make their learning meaningful and tangible.

    Phonics – Fundations
    In the lower grades, we supplement our ELA curriculum with Fundations, a phonics-based program that strengthens foundational reading and writing skills. Fundations provides explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, letter-sound relationships, and word decoding strategies. This hands-on approach helps students develop strong phonics skills through interactive activities and games, setting the stage for fluency in reading and writing.

    Mathematics
    In math, we are continuing with EngageNY, a curriculum designed to build a deep conceptual understanding of mathematics. It focuses on problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and fluency with essential skills. Our math instruction emphasizes hands-on learning, with students using manipulatives, visual models, and real-world problem-solving situations to make abstract concepts more concrete and accessible.

    Starting in 2025:
    Starting next year, we will transition to Math in Focus, a comprehensive math curriculum that will provide more hands-on learning opportunities. Math in Focus emphasizes conceptual understanding through visual models, interactive activities, and problem-solving strategies. The curriculum’s hands-on approach ensures that students are actively engaged in learning, deepening their understanding through exploration, experimentation, and practical application. It will also allow for differentiated instruction, intervention support, and enrichment for all students.

    Science
    Our science curriculum is developed using a variety of resources that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). We believe in a hands-on approach to learning, where students learn through doing. By engaging in experiments, building models, and conducting investigations, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and inquiry skills. This hands-on exploration fosters curiosity and helps students connect concepts to the real world. 

    Social Studies
    For social studies, EngageNY provides a well-organized scope and sequence through the grades. The curriculum integrates hands-on projects and activities, such as simulations, role-playing, and collaborative research, allowing students to actively engage with history, geography, economics, and civics. This approach helps students develop not only knowledge but also critical thinking and communication skills, making their learning experience more meaningful and applicable to the world around them.

  • Specials

    Physical Education:
    The PE program opens the door to students trying new sports, but focuses on the teamwork aspect of physical education. The class utilizes the outdoor fields and the two field houses.

    Library:
     In Library class, students have the opportunity to check out books from our school library, located in the Learning Hub of the Upper School. The goal is to both build reading skills and encourage a love of reading by providing students access to a wide range of books that speak to their interests and passions.

    Art:
    The Art program opens students' eyes that anything they create can be art. Students often say “I’m not an artist,” but our art teacher’s goal is to guide the students to recognize their creativity and see the artist within.

    STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math):
     The STEAM program aims to inspire students to be creative, think critically, and solve problems by combining science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. This is done through hands-on projects involving robotics, coding, Legos and other building materials.

    Music:
    Music class introduces students to beats and rhythm in the lower grades and gradually increases to students being introduced to different instruments, including recorder and ukulele. There are music showcase concerts throughout the year to share with families what the students are learning.

    Chess:
    PCD partners with Chess Master Connections to teach students not only how to play chess but also how to think strategically. The chess curriculum integrates chess with math, spatial logic and critical thinking.

    Spanish:
    Spanish in the Lower School aims to teach children basic skills in conversational Spanish along with the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. In addition to phrases and vocabulary, students are also exposed to the art, music, history and richness of Latino and Spanish culture through projects and hand-on activities.

    Health & Social Emotional Learning:
    This combined program helps students learn about the human body, master the art of emotional regulation, and discover practical strategies to stay safe both in and out of the classroom. Our comprehensive program covers vital topics such as nutrition, safety, and illness prevention, setting the stage for lifelong wellness.

  • After-school Explorations program

    The after-school Explorations program runs from 3-5:30 pm each day.

    Pricing is tiered, but ranges from $20-$25 daily, with optional add on clubs from outside organizations, billing is processed at the end of each month. 

    Explorations is a safe place for our students to extend their learning day, while exploring their place in our world. During Explorations we strive to foster a sense of community, acceptance, and appreciation for our world around us.

    Children will have the opportunity to participate in clubs, like Minecraft Coding, Art, Nature, and Sports, while also having the experience of getting to know other students in the school on a more personal level. Each day includes snack, childcare, and daily activities on site directly following our school day.

  • Lower School Daily Schedule

    Students arrive daily between 8 and 8:15am. Every class begins with a morning meeting and ends with a closing circle, allowing students to share and connect with one another. For all grades except PreK, there are ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies Blocks each day. Students will also visit one or two specialist classes per day. 

    Lunch is included in tuition and students eat in the dining hall each day, where they can select from a wide range of dishes. Students also enjoy ample time outdoors during daily recess. Recess is not only a time for playground play but also an opportunity to engage in learning activities, trail hikes, and team-building exercises. This outdoor time fosters socialization, physical activity, and a connection to nature, enriching their overall educational experience.

    Dismissal begins at 2:55pm. After school care is available through our Explorations program until 5:30pm each day.

  • Family Involvement

    Family involvement in the Lower School can take many forms. Each teacher has their own page on ClassDojo, where they provide photos and updates on class activities each week. Parents are also encouraged to join the PCD Family Association, which holds events like the Parent Welcome Coffee, Fall Potluck, our annual Holiday Tea, and Teacher Appreciation and helps fund educational needs like field trips, equipment, and more.

    Parents, guardians and other family members are also welcome to help in the classroom, whether it’s as a guest reader or presenting on a topic they love. Field trips are another opportunity for involvement as chaperones in off-campus settings.

  • Student Support

    At PCD, we believe in a team-oriented approach where teachers and students work together as partners in learning. Our classroom environment fosters a sense of shared responsibility, where everyone is a learner. Teachers are dedicated to understanding and nurturing each student’s individual strengths and interests, using those to enhance their learning journey.

    From the very first day, we focus on building a strong, inclusive community where students feel safe, confident, and empowered to advocate for themselves. This sense of belonging is the heart of our school, and it lays the foundation for a positive, engaged learning experience.

    Our Academic Specialist supports students in the classroom as well as running small groups to focus on specific skills. If a student is facing academic challenges she provides additional support. If a student would benefit from enrichment, she puts together individualized learning plans to meet their academic needs. She works closely with the classroom teachers as well as the families.

Characteristics of Lower School students

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  • Collaboration

    PCD students understand the value of teamwork and collaboration. They have experience working collaboratively with their peers and teachers, recognizing that collective efforts lead to greater achievements. They possess strong interpersonal skills and are effective communicators.

  • Academic Preparation

    Our Lower School students are well-prepared academically. They have acquired a solid foundation of knowledge and skills across various subjects. They have been exposed to a rigorous curriculum that aligns with common core standards and have developed critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

  • Confidence

    PCD's Lower School students are confident individuals who have a strong belief in their abilities and a sense of self-assurance. They have developed a positive self-image and are comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas.

  • Curiosity

    We foster a culture of curiosity and encourages students to be inquisitive learners. Students have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to explore and learn more about the world around them. They approach new ideas and experiences with an open mind and a genuine interest in discovering and understanding.

  • Individuality

    PCD encourages students to embrace their individuality. They understand that their differences are strengths and contribute to the overall richness of the community.

  • Openness

    PCD values openness and celebrates diversity. Our students are taught to appreciate and respect differences among individuals. They exhibit an open-mindedness and acceptance of others, embracing diverse perspectives and experiences. They are willing to listen, learn, and collaborate with people from various walks of life.

  • Strong Sense of Community

    The sense of community is deeply ingrained at PCD. Students experience a supportive and close-knit community throughout their time at the school. They understand the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and building positive relationships.

Jessica A., Lower School Parent

PCD is a home. I feel a sense of security knowing my children have so much support from every person who works there. They are the best at creating community not only for the children but for the parents as well. The best choice I ever made was sending my son to PCD.

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