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Our Lower School
focuses on nurturing an enthusiasm for learning through activities
that allow each student to respond at his or her own readiness
level. Our Lower School teachers appreciate the stages of a child’s
growth and recognize that each student develops at a unique pace,
yet our expectations for achievement are high. Consequently,
our curriculum allows students to explore, and their mistakes are viewed
as a part of the learning process and as an important building
block in their development. We measure the success of our academic
programs
by the degree to which they challenge and motivate students to
stretch
and master increasingly difficult skills and material.
Equally as important as cognitive development
is Latin’s
focus on productive social growth. A child’s intellectual
growth is supported by an equal emphasis on social, emotional,
and physical maturation. Our goal is to promote the development
of a self-confident student with a curiosity about the world, respect
for other people and cultures, a sense of community, and the ability
to think independently. Compromise and cooperation are taught through
small group work and play activities. Students learn to appreciate
and accept individual differences and to develop the self-control
needed to support positive learning.
Parents are kept informed about their child’s progress
through telephone calls, e-mail, progress reports, conferences,
and special events designed to keep home and School in close
touch. The Lower School faculty and administration work in close
partnership with parents, encouraging parental participation
in classroom activities. This teamwork approach fosters a strong
mutual commitment to each child’s learning experience.
Young students’ special needs and endless curiosity are
the focus of Latin’s kindergarten program. The kindergarten
school day is shorter than the regular day, and classrooms are
staffed by one teacher and one assistant, resulting in a low student-teacher
ratio that further nurtures small and large group instruction.
Students also receive instruction in music and computers once a
week and physical education and Spanish, in addition
to daily reading, language, and math readiness activities.
Curricular enhancements include field trips, cultural exposure
from both parent and community resources, and special art, drama,
and science projects.
Our transitional kindergarten program serves children who have
been evaluated for kindergarten and who demonstrate strong readiness
skills in many areas, but who may need the added benefit of an
additional year of social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Modeled
on the kindergarten day, these students enjoy the same opportunities
for enrichment in physical education, music, library skills, and
special trips and celebrations.
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