Lower School | PreK–Gr. 5

How does the world work? What influences societies? What does it mean to be part of a community? In Lower School, students of all ages don’t just learn facts; they gain the tools and critical thinking skills to understand the world, identify their feelings, voice their ideas, and find joy and purpose in their education. 

Through an experiential and interdisciplinary curriculum, we challenge students to think deeply, explore big questions, and connect foundational skills to real-world contexts—all while having fun. 

Students also have many unmatched opportunities to find and explore what they love through specials, which include Spanish, music, art, Physical Education (PE), library, science, technology, and SEED. These classes are a place to express ideas, discover one's strengths, and try something new.

Shipley Lower School students engage in experiential projects that spark curiosity and bring learning to life. These Capstone Projects teach academic content while emphasizing collaboration, creative problem-solving, and leadership.

Imagine walking in the shoes of someone immigrating through Ellis Island as a third-grader, reciting your own poem at the first-grade poetry café, or creating an entire “Desert Zoo” exhibit in second grade. By fifth grade, you’ll be leading debates, designing research projects, and presenting your work to a proud audience. These are moments where students realize what they’re capable of and how far they can go.

Starting in PreK, our focus on relationships and character education helps Shipley students learn how to identify and manage their emotions, navigate conflict, collaborate with others, and develop confidence.

At Shipley, we help students grow into kind, resilient, and self-aware young people through our weekly SEED (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Development) classes. These lessons give students space to talk about things like fairness, compassion, and problem-solving, as well as get involved in community and service-learning projects. Students learn to listen, lead, and care for their community.

Want to stay after school to learn chess, design crafts, or play a new sport? Our Encore Clubs offer students in PreK through Grade 5 opportunities for learning and discovering new passions beyond the typical school day. 

And for even more social growth and connection, our Later Gator aftercare program provides a safe setting where students can play, do homework, and spend time with friends in different grade levels. With nearly half of Lower School students enrolled on any given day, Later Gator is a popular part of the Shipley experience—not just a convenience for families, but a space that kids genuinely enjoy.

Whether it’s painting your first masterpiece, playing an instrument, or performing in the annual Lower School musical, co-curriculars expand our students’ worlds—and make them more exciting!

Shipley's Lower School is more than a place for your child to learn; it’s a community built on care, connection, and belonging. As a family, you’ll feel it right away—from the warmth of the teachers and staff, to the kindness of other families, to the joy of being part of a larger PreK-12 community.

Whether this is your first time joining an independent school or it’s already part of your family’s journey, you’ll feel at home the moment you walk through our doors.