Lower School (Jr. K-4)

From the Director of the Lower School

At University School, we believe each boy is exceptional, and so we are dedicated to providing each boy an outstanding educational experience. Our approach encourages every boy to fully engage in the learning environment, while our commitment to academic rigor promotes critical thinking and nurtures a lifelong love of learning. One of the highlights of our Lower School community is our Theme Studies, where boys delve into interdisciplinary topics, fostering creativity, in-depth analysis, and collaboration.

In our Lower School, we embrace the power of play, providing boys with ample opportunities to tinker, create, design, and solve problems. These activities enhance their communication skills, vocabulary, brain development, and social competence. We are intentional and deliberate in offering these experiences. Our philosophy, "every boy, every day, outdoors," is evident in our use of the arboretum, play park, and garden, ensuring boys spend meaningful time outdoors each day.

Every boy in our community is truly known and loved. This is something I know from my experience leading the Lower School faculty, and before that—and still—as a parent to two US students. I invite you and your family to visit our school to see what makes this a truly special place to begin your son's educational journey.

Warmly,

Lisa Cummings
Director of the Lower School

The freedom to explore, create, and play.

Young boys have boundless energy and a natural tendency to explore and discover. At University School, boys thrive in an environment with the freedom to explore, create, move, practice, and play. They learn to own their successes, bounce back from mistakes, accept responsibility for themselves, and participate in decisions and actions for the greater good.

Boys are free to be themselves at University School.

Our theme-based program invites and cultivates curiosity, is responsive to student interests and skills, and supports a range of learning and thinking styles.

Boys love learning concepts through themes and engaging in hands-on projects. Themes come alive as boys experience learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Lower School boys explore themes that are broad in scope and where aspects of the basic core disciplines – social studies, science, language arts, math – are logically integrated.

Making a home at US

Each boy has a home here. He makes friends and connects with student and adult mentors.

In using the Responsive Classroom approach to teaching, we focus on positive community and developmental awareness. We speak openly with students about honesty, fairness, and treating others with kindness. A US boy develops both empathy and respect for others, and an appreciation of his own self.

Our House system brings boys together across all grades for friendship, support, and a shared sense of spirit and pride. Service and stewardship to the community are championed, along with athletics, as part of the healthy competition among Houses.