The Lower Division at Friends Academy is a wonderful place to be! Throughout the lower grades - preschool through grade five - the feeling of family is strong and the environment is comfortable but stimulating. As a result, students grow in confidence and enthusiasm as they negotiate their busy days.

To facilitate this sense of warmth and continuity, each grade has one core teacher for reading, writing, mathematics, and social studies. In the fifth grade, however, children begin to bridge the difference between the self-contained primary classes and the departmentalized Upper Division; one core teacher is responsible for math and social studies, and the other for language arts. Throughout the Lower Division, specialist teachers introduce the excitement of art, music, science, physical education, and technology. Students also experience a basic exposure to Spanish and to various cultures where Spanish is spoken.

As students advance through the grades, the depth, breadth, and pace of the curriculum continues to challenge and excite them. They become familiar with more complex mathematical problem-solving; read for information and pleasure; explore the physical, chemical, biological and environmental aspects in and outside of the science labs; and learn to research topics that interest them in their classrooms, in the library, and on the Internet. Field trips, service learning projects, and diversity events continue to enrich the learning experience.

The early grades are also an important time for self-expression, not only in the classroom, but also through art, music, and programs such as Winterfest, the Bookworm Celebration, dramatic performances, and the Partners Program in which older students work with younger students. By the end of grade five, students have come to discover the joys of expressing themselves clearly, creatively, and confidently, whether in writing, chorus and art studio, or in annual events such as the Invention Convention and Tumbling Show.