Lower School

Welcome to Millwood’s Lower School. We have dedicated faculty members, supportive families and engaged students in grades Junior Kindergarten through fifth grade.

 

Programs in our lower school offer challenging curriculum that scaffolds from year to year. Music, art, P.E. and world languages enhance daily instruction and provide students with a well-rounded experience. Character development and public speaking are cornerstones of our program.

 

All students do not learn in the same way or necessarily on the same day. Therefore, to meet the varying learning styles of our students, teachers instruct using all modalities: visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile. There is a spiraling approach in order to give students time to acquire the skills taught. Skills build on each other as students move from one level to the next.

 

Our youngest students in Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten experience activities that are developmentally appropriate and are the building blocks to their education. First and second graders are just learning what it means to be an independent learner. Our intermediate students in grades third through fifth are honing their organizational and study skills, time management skills and building their self-confidence. All the while, students are nurtured and encouraged to work to their potential.

 

We would love for you to visit our campus and take a tour. Millwood School is an extraordinary learning environment.
 

Millwood’s Junior Kindergarten program allows each student to explore the building blocks of education through hands-on activities and interactive lessons. We emphasize social interaction, creativity, and the development of a positive and strong self-concept. Junior Kindergarten recognizes the unique learning styles of each student and helps provide a smooth and successful entry into Kindergarten.

Kindergarten is a key year of development in a child's life. Millwood's emphasis on small class size plays a vital role, creating an environment that fosters respect for others and a love of learning. Each child is given the opportunity to develop appropriate behaviors, a firm foundation in core subjects, and leadership skills.
 

Students begin their journey toward becoming more independent and responsible learners. Special projects and activities that enable students to practice critical thinking skills take place on a daily basis across the curriculum. As students learn to become higher level thinkers, the development of leadership and cooperative learning skills instill students with a sense of community within the classroom.
 

Second grade allows students to explore various topics in small group settings, satisfying their curiosities and expressing their ideas. With assignments that are intellectually challenging and fun, students develop a great deal of knowledge during this critical year. Each day provides new opportunities to grow academically, socially, or physically.

The third grade year is one of transition and growth. Children are guided through instruction and practice to achieve mastery of new organizational skills. These activities help to instill those behaviors that contribute to personal self-confidence and scholastic achievement. The skills learned during this important year serve as an important foundation for academic success.
 

In fourth grade, students are given many opportunities to work more independently. They are given rich opportunities to read and respond to a variety of literary genres. They systematically study and practice writing for specific purposes. An abundance of group projects develops their ability to work cooperatively, learning how to divide tasks fairly and resolve differences with others. They master organizational and study skills that will carry them toward middle school with confidence and effectiveness.
 

Fifth graders master organizational skills, time management skills, and study skills that help ensure success in middle school. Students are able to express themselves and demonstrate mastery of the material through writing, projects, and group activities. The effectiveness of public speaking is evident at this level and students are given ample opportunities to present. As in lower grades, individuality, learning styles, and unique abilities are considered in planning activities.