Lower School

Langley’s Lower School offers students in grades 1-5 a challenging, developmentally appropriate academic program that nurtures independence and resourcefulness in an atmosphere of kindness and civility. Moving from their homeroom to other areas of the school for special subjects, students attend 40-minute class periods with recess in the morning and after lunch. In a family-like environment, dedicated, creative teachers, as well as a nurse and counselor, focus on the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development of each student.

Homeroom teachers at each grade level work collaboratively with special subject teachers in science, modern language, music, art, and P.E. to create integrated lessons that increase knowledge of a topic while stimulating learning. This integrated curriculum encourages students to develop creativity and problem-solving abilities while emphasizing analytic, reasoning, and thinking skills.

Guided by experienced librarians and technology specialists, students learn to develop and present research assignments that will prepare them for middle school and beyond. Whether learning about their ancestors through the history of Ellis Island in second grade or studying classic authors and videotaping an interview of that author in fifth grade, students apply lessons and share information with others at weekly assemblies. This process strengthens skills and builds self-confidence.

Based on regular student assessments, flexible instruction groups are formed at each grade level with additional math, language arts, and assistant teachers. This small ratio for instruction allows for differentiated attention when needed and the construction of solid building blocks in the core subjects.

Langley ’s unique music program provides many performance opportunities, including a Grandparents Day celebration of song and dance and several concerts during the year. Starting with the recorder in third grade, students learn self-discipline through the practice of an instrument. They join the band in fourth and fifth grades and participate in the handbell choir and chorus. Giving one’s personal best and developing good sportsmanship is the goal of Langley’s P.E. program, which offers team sports in soccer, lacrosse, and softball starting in fifth grade.

Visiting authors, artists, and lecturers as well as frequent field trips to area museums, nature preserves, and other area attractions enhance the curriculum and give students hands-on learning opportunities outside the classroom. Through community service projects such as collecting items for the Holiday Giving Tree and the Project SHARE food drive or cleaning up the area watershed, Lower School students grow in social awareness while developing responsibility and leadership skills.