The Lower School program at Palm Beach Day Academy is designed to meet the developmental needs of children beginning at age two and continuing through Third Grade. Our goal is to begin the careful preparation of our students for the ever-changing world of tomorrow by identifying and building upon each student’s individual strengths.
At the Pre-Primary level (two year olds), a Montessori approach is embraced. We believe that our warm and gentle environment encourages self confidence, curiosity and concentration as our students are guided towards greater independence and respect for themselves, others, and the environment.
The Primary program (three and four year olds) builds on the progress begun in the Pre-Primary classrooms and prepares our students for Kindergarten and beyond. Using practices individually suited to the developmental level of each student, our teachers provide formal learning activities as well as creative expression and play opportunities. In addition to the classroom activities, students at both the Pre-Primary and Primary level enjoy enhancements to the program that include music, physical education, art, storytelling, and Spanish. Parents may opt for a half-day or full day program at this level.
In Kindergarten through Third Grade, students build on a strong PBDA foundation in classrooms that encourage self-directed learning as well as cooperative learning with others. The core subjects are taught in self-contained classrooms by teams of two teachers. The teachers create happy environments that include plenty of creative play and engaging activities — always with valuable lessons intertwined. Specialists teach subjects such as art, music, library skills and literature appreciation, computers, physical education, and Spanish. Each child is well-known by his or her teachers and the faculty’s insights are regularly shared with parents in a cooperative union of home and school.
Using an integrated thematic approach, the Lower School teachers organize their lessons around school-wide themes that unify the children in shared experiences. In addition to their proven academic value, these special projects provide many opportunities for students to develop leadership, cooperation, and many other interpersonal skills.
Students in the Lower School, from Pre-Primary to 3rd Grade, benefit from a careful blend of appropriately challenging academics and individualized support. The full program is designed to prepare our students for the transition to the Upper School Campus across the bridge in Palm Beach. Faculty from both campuses share in the development of the programs for both campuses to assure that our graduates are prepared to succeed. Our Lower School program provides the foundation for all that is ahead for our students. They head for the Upper School with the skills, knowledge and confidence that will serve them well in the immediate future and for many years to come.
