Lower School Curriculum
Enrichment Programs

Morning Assembly

The day begins with a morning assembly for the Lower School, which brings a unity to the whole school community. Assembly normally consists of songs of praise accompanied by the piano, traditional prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Philosophy

Each morning assembly concludes with a Philosophy discussion. The headmaster presents a story from the world’s great philosophic and religious traditions, followed by a ‘question and answer’ session.

Children are natural philosophers and ask the most poignant and precise questions. The headmaster gives simple and universal principles of spiritual knowledge to consider in the light of the reading and their own experience. The children are encouraged to participate, putting forward their own questions and ideas. We have some very lively and interesting discussions.

The long term effect of these discussions is to lay down a philosophical framework against which life can be measured. The story of the morning assembly often sets the tone for the day and is tied into the classroom curriculum by the teachers.

Special Assemblies

We are proud of being a multicultural and multi-faith community, which respects and honors all cultures and religious faiths. We celebrate many different holidays and traditions.

Talented faculty members, parents and outside professionals are invited to perform for our students both at special assemblies and within the classrooms. Programming varies from year to year, capitalizing on the talents of our parent body, as well as professional presentations by educational and arts organizations. Past programs have included DiWali Festival of Lights, Israeli Seeing-Eye Dog Trainer, storytellers, guitar players, Chanukah demonstration on olive pressing, Chinese New Year dancers, puppeteers and much more.

The children also meet for sing-a-longs throughout the year. In the spring the entire school participates in Talent Week; a perfect opportunity for faculty, staff and students to present poetry and dramatic readings, piano and violin playing, dance and gymnastic routines and songs to each other.