Lower School

Wakefield's curriculum is classical in its orientation and content-rich in its broad reach.

As our Lower School students develop mastery of skills and material, we also strongly emphasize ethical character development and effective communication. In this manner, they are expected to support our community of honesty and trust.

One of our goals in the Lower School is to help each child determine his or her learning strengths. Balancing academic rigor with an acknowledgment of individual strengths and expression is the hallmark of our faculty's success in teaching an outstanding curriculum in a remarkable manner. Book reports, for instance, may be presented in written, oral, or illustrated format. Teachers use a variety of teaching techniques in the presentation of subject matter, thus allowing the student and teacher to work in partnership, meeting the goals of the curriculum through the medium that works best. As teachers move through their curriculum they work towards incorporating aspects of choice for their students, while continuing to maintain the integrity of the structured classroom.

Collectively, these techniques and philosophies, when applied to the Lower School level, provide the foundation for years of extraordinary learning - a cornerstone of Wakefield's ultimate mission. It is here where the formative seeds of confidence, the love of learning, and the desire to seek a challenge are planted.

"Every child has the right to learn. It is our job as educators to support and nurture children as they begin this journey. Not all children learn in the same manner so helping children learn how they learn is intrinsic to helping them succeed."

Mary Steensma, Head of Lower School