Lower School

Shipley’s Lower School program:

• provides a strong academic foundation
• emphasizes the joy of learning
• encourages students to identify and maximize individual talents and strengths
• prepares students for future success, throughout school, college, and life.

Curriculum – The Shipley Lower School curriculum balances rigorous academics with arts and athletics, along a carefully constructed developmentally appropriate continuum. Classes include a wide variety of programs and assignments to engage every student in learning. From a Pre-K discussion of the nutritional value of the Native American diet to a 5th-Grade investigation of Greek culture, students are encouraged to think creatively and express themselves clearly. Language study begins with American Sign Language and continues with French and Spanish.

Lower School Features

• Shipley’s Lower School spearheads fund-raising efforts and building relationships with the Brain Tree School in Uganda.
• Fourth-grade students spend a day in Lancaster County, visiting Amish produce and livestock auctions and a one-room school.
• Fifth-grade students culminate their Lower School experience with study of the Classical world, including the completion of multidisciplinary projects for which they earn their Laurels at Lower School graduation.
• All children, PreK-Grade 5 have Friendship classes each week where students learn and practice important social skills and understandings.
• Service Learning –  We emphasize compassionate participation, which means that our students take action when they care about something. Service learning provides carefully planned activities suited to students’ ages and interests and includes time for discussion and reflection.

Our Lower School program features:

• small classes that allow for personalized attention
• talented, experienced, and committed faculty
• technology in all grades as a tool for learning and expression.

Lower School Opportunities

• After-School Program—Later Gator, available daily from 3 to 5:45 pm
• Encore Clubs like Chess, Sewing, Cooking, and Fencing are offered after school
• Optional private music lesson program before and after school and during lunch or lunch recess
• An after-school drama club for fourth and fifth grade students