Lower School (K–5)
Lower School at Children’s Academy
Welcome to the Lower School at Children’s Academy, where students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 build the foundation that everything else rests on: confident communication, a love of reading, joy in learning, and friendships that last. Our integrated academic-therapeutic program keeps every child challenged and progressing, with therapy and academics happening together throughout the day.
Integrated, Language-Based Learning
In Lower School, academics and therapy are woven together all day long. Every classroom is staffed by a licensed teacher, a teaching assistant, and a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist, with occupational therapy embedded into each student’s day. Our skill-based grouping and 6:2:1 ratio for academic subjects mean every child is met where they are and given the time, support, and encouragement to grow into a curious, confident learner.
A Curriculum Grounded in the Science of Reading
Reading instruction at Children's Academy is built on what research shows actually works. Using iReady and Magnetic Reading, we teach phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension in a structured, systematic sequence. Every student gets the explicit instruction they need to become a confident, independent reader.
Social and Emotional Development
We understand how important social and emotional growth is in the early years. Through our Social Thinking-informed SEL classes, students develop a shared vocabulary for navigating social situations and communicating with confidence, building empathy, self-esteem, and a strong sense of community along the way.
Family Engagement
At Children's Academy, families are partners in their child's progress. Through regular communication with teachers and therapists, parent workshops, and school events throughout the year, we keep families informed, involved, and connected to the work happening every day in the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the academic program look like in Lower School?
In Lower School, students learn core academic subjects — reading, writing, math, science, and social studies — through an integrated, language-based model. Reading is grounded in the science of reading using iReady and Magnetic Reading, and math is taught through HMH Into Math. A dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist is part of every classroom, and occupational therapy, art, and other enrichment are woven into each student’s day.
How does the school communicate with parents about their child’s progress?
We maintain regular communication with parents through parent-teacher conferences, progress reports, and our online parent portal. Teachers are also available for meetings and discussions as needed to ensure parents are informed about their child’s development.
What are the school hours for Lower School?
Lower School follows our 12-month academic program, with the school day running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Arts and recreational after-school programming is also available for families who would like it at certain points throughout the year.
What does the academic program look like in Lower School?
Lower School runs kindergarten through grade 5 and is built around an integrated academic-therapeutic model. Every classroom is staffed by a head teacher, a teaching assistant, and a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist, so instruction and therapy happen together throughout the day. Reading is taught through iReady and Magnetic Reading using a structured, systematic approach grounded in the science of reading. Math follows HMH Into Math, and occupational therapy is embedded into every student's day. Academic subjects are taught in skill-based groups with a 6:2:1 student-to-staff ratio.
Ready to see what comes next? Our Middle School program builds on this foundation, deepening academic skills, self-advocacy, and social-emotional growth as students prepare for high school and beyond.