Lower School virtual visit

The Lower School curriculum builds on the natural inclinations of children by introducing them to the fundamentals of intellectual inquiry within a safe and nurturing community that is characterized by close attention to each student. As a result, Lower School students from Kindergarten through Grade 5 develop exceptional academic skills in addition to the social/emotional strengths that will serve them as they move up to the Middle School: excellent communication and public speaking skills; a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility to the community; and a sense of pride in themselves and their school. 

The Lower School experience is built on five foundational elements: a low student-teacher ratio; the team-teaching model, with two master teachers in every homeroom; the use of differentiation; the rotating six-day schedule; and the TOOLBOX social/emotional program.

Learn more about:

• Kindergarten, Grades 1/2, Grades 3/4, and Grade 5
• K-12 Curriculum
• Lower School Curriculum and Community

The Lower School follows a six-day schedule in which a student's academic day alternates between the homeroom, the six specialist classes, and time for play and community gatherings. The rotating six-day schedule allows for optimum emphasis on multidisciplinary skill-building in the three homeroom disciplines (math, language arts, and social studies), as well as in the six specialist classes (science, Spanish, art, music, physical education, and library time). View a sample Lower School schedule.

SPA offers multiple bus routes and carpooling options for families looking for transportation to and from school. Our Transportation Coordinator manages busing and also helps facilitate carpooling arrangements among parents. For questions about SPA’s bus routes or help setting up a carpool group in your neighborhood, please contact Transportation Coordinator Melissa Douden.

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BEFORE-SCHOOL PROGRAM

Before-school care is offered each weekday morning free of charge to all Lower School students. Every morning, the Adventure Kids (AK) program runs from 7 a.m. to the start of school, even on Wednesdays, when classes begin at 8:45 a.m.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

After-school care is held each school day from the end of classes until 6 p.m. and is staffed by the same caring, skilled staff as the before-school care program. Less structured than the regular school day, the after-school program offers a variety of mixed-age group activities, snack time, outdoor play, and quiet time for independent reading, games, and homework. There is a fee for the Lower School after-school program; please inquire about rates.

For more information, visit the Before/After School webpage or contact Julie Francis, Director of the After School Program.

At the heart of St. Paul Academy and Summit School’s diversity work is the belief that an educational community is at its best when it includes and values all voices, perspectives, and experiences. Maintaining an inclusive, multicultural environment is inherent to our mission and evident in our community. In 2019-20, 33% of children enrolled at SPA are students of color. Our faculty and staff also represent a broad range of diverse identities with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation. 

Read SPA's Diversity and Inclusion Policy (adopted in 2017), the school's Guidelines in Support of Gender Diversity (adopted in 2018), and visit SPA's Diversity webpage to learn more. Questions? Contact Dr. Naomi Taylor, Director of Intercultural Life.

SPA has at least one full-time counselor in each division who helps to support individuals and small groups of students when social, emotional, or behavioral challenges may arise. Counselors can offer assistance in problem-solving and conflict resolution, guidance on developing and maintaining healthy relationships, and self-esteem. Counselors collaborate with students, teachers, and families to create supportive learning and social environments for students.

Dr. Timothy Elchert, Lower School Psychologist:
Dr. Timothy Elchert, known as "Dr. E" to students and families, is a resource for the entire Lower School community. A licensed psychologist, Dr. Elchert works with students to reach their academic and social-emotional potential. His interests include social-emotional development of children, building resilience, and anxiety disorders. Dr. Elchert earned a B.A. from Macalester College, an M.A. in counseling and psychological services from St. Mary's Graduate School, and a Ph.D. in school psychology from the University of Iowa. He is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists. Contact Dr. Elchert.