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Why Lower School at Friends Academy?

Friends Academy’s Lower School (Early Childhood through fifth grade) is a safe and supportive community that develops a strong foundation in our young students for a lifetime of learning. For Lower School students and their families, Friends is a “second home” where they feel seen, known, and loved for who they are.

Because our class sizes are small, no child gets lost in the classroom. Students receive one-on-one support from their teachers and develop close relationships with peers and adults. Faculty are able to adapt their teaching to different learning styles – always meeting students where they are while challenging them to take risks and flourish.

“My child is thriving here and learning so quickly. The supportive environment has been amazing for his growth and confidence. I’m so grateful to have found a place that feels like a second home for our family.”

– Lower School parent

What sets the Lower School apart from other local elementary school choices is our equal focus on academic skill-building and social and emotional development. Lower School students don’t simply learn how to read, write, and take tests – they discover who they are as learners and figure out how to relate to others in a community.

Learn More About Lower School

Take the next step toward Friends Academy by requesting more information or beginning an application for your child today.

Get Started Now

We follow the Responsive Classroom approach, which integrates engaging academics, positive community, and developmentally responsive teaching. Our guiding principles include:

  • Teaching social and emotional skills is as important as teaching academic content.
  • How we teach is as important as what we teach.
  • Great cognitive growth occurs through social interaction.
  • How we work together to cre­ate a safe, joyful, and inclusive school environment is as important as our individual contribution or competence.
  • What we know and believe about our students — individually, culturally, developmentally — informs our expec­tations, reactions, and attitudes about those students.
  • Partnering with families — knowing them and valuing their contributions — is as important as knowing the children we teach.
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Flexible Tuition

Flexible tuition is an individualized approach to determining what your family can afford in tuition each year, taking into consideration your unique financial circumstances. Approximately half of current Friends Academy families receive a flexible tuition rate.

See Flexible Tuition Rates

Explore Lower School

Visit the grade-level pages to explore their curriculum, faculty, and other helpful information about the student experience in that grade. (Lower School also includes Early Childhood for children ages 3 and 4.)

Kindergarten

A nurturing, play-based environment where children grow to love learning from the very beginning.

Explore Kindergarten

First Grade

Students learn to read independently, make sense of numbers, and grow their confidence as learners and classroom leaders.

Explore First Grade

Second Grade

Through the concept of community, students practice making choices independently, using their voices, and understanding their impact on others.

Explore Second Grade

Third Grade

A year of tremendous growth, when students build character, pursue knowledge, dive deeply into topics, and recognize their strengths.

Explore Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Eager, maturing learners feel supported to challenge themselves while strengthening their academic skills for the years to come.

Explore Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

Critical thinkers who build their academic stamina for Middle School while retaining the comfort of the close-knit Lower School community.

Explore Fifth Grade

Features of the Lower School Experience

  • Fourth grade students sitting on the floor completing fraction pieces.

    Hands-On Learning

    Lower School students participate in hands-on academic activities throughout the day. Learning through experiences helps students apply their knowledge, work together, and practice independence.

  • A third grade teacher works with a student.

    One-On-One Time With Teachers

    Because our class sizes are small, Lower School students get plenty of individual time and attention from their teachers. Faculty are able to adapt their teaching to different types of learners.

  • Fourth grade students play in the gymnasium during PE class.

    Two Specials Per Day

    PE, art, music, science, and library are taught by experienced faculty. Specials allow students to move around the building, make relationships with new trusted adults, and exercise their minds in different ways.

  • A third grade class sits on the rug during morning meeting.

    Morning Meeting

    Each Lower School class starts the day with morning meeting. This gathering builds connections in the classroom and sets a positive tone for the day.

  • A fourth grade student works on their laptop during class.

    1:1 Apple Devices

    During school hours, each Lower School student has access to their own iPad or Macbook. Students use devices for academic activities including research, writing, presentations, and math/literacy practice.

  • A board created by fourth grade students comparing the qualities of a fixed mindset versus a growth mindset.

    Growth Mindset

    The growth mindset is emphasized regularly in Lower School, particularly in math. Students are introduced to the concept of the power of “yet” – as in, “I can’t do that yet.”

  • A Middle School student helps a third grade student with reading.

    Student Mentors in Higher Grades

    As an Early Childhood-Grade 8 school, Friends Academy gives Lower School students opportunities to work with and learn from older student mentors in higher grades.

  • First grade presents at All-School Meeting

    Opportunities to Present at All-School Meeting

    Students can practice their presentation skills at All-School Meeting by sharing a Book Buzz, community performance, or presentation about something they learned.

News & Stories About Lower School

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Events

March 27, 2026

FA Student Artists Showcase Works at New Bedford Museum

Third, fourth, and fifth grade students can tell you what it’s like to see your artwork on display at a museum! Read More

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News

April 29, 2024

Heads Up: Introducing Our New K-8 Math Curriculum

Illustrative Mathematics is a problem-based curriculum designed to make math relevant, accessible, and engaging to all learners, allowing for real-world application. Read More

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Events

November 27, 2023

Fifth and Sixth Graders Fly High in “Peter Pan, Jr.”

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Peter Pan, Jr. on three wonderful performances! Watch the full evening show. Read More

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