Lower School

The Kindergarten program is designed to promote the development of the whole child, placing equal importance on a child’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual well-being. Because children grow and progress at different rates particularly in kindergarten, our primary goal is to help each child build confidence and discover the excitement and joy of learning. Every day in kindergarten is filled with an abundance of age-appropriate and fun curricular activities designed to help children develop early literacy, writing, math, science, social and physical skills. We believe that play is essential in the life of a kindergartner so we give ample opportunity for choice time and recess – where children develop strong social, emotional, and problem-solving capabilities.

First grade is a wonderful year of growth, both inside and outside the classroom. Students are a part of a strong classroom community, and they learn to develop a respect for individuality, as well as a love of learning and exploration. The social curriculum is as important as academics, and how children learn is equally as important as what they learn. In this way, first graders encounter many opportunities to share their thinking with others, reflect on their successes and areas of growth, and interact with their peers in productive ways.

Second graders exhibit growing confidence and competence with their academic and social skills. During this year, the students take part in more challenging and creative experiences while working independently and cooperatively with their classmates. The second-grade curriculum emphasizes reading, oral and written language development, and mathematics. Students spend the year developing organizational skills and good work habits, as well as managing responsibility and their growing independence. By sharing and caring about one another, second graders learn the importance of being a part of the DCD community and the world beyond.

Third Grade is all about independence! Our students learn how to do so much on their own this year! To emphasize this topic, even more, we spend the year focusing on American history starting from early immigration to the US, the establishment of the thirteen colonies, colonial times, slavery and the underground railroad, the revolutionary war, and end with the westward expansion. During all these time periods, people were yearning to be independent and free. Students engage in cross-curricular activities from reading books to exploring new vocabulary words, creating art projects, performing a class play, and partaking in a variety of hands-on activities. Themes of kindness, respect, and "trust in the process" run throughout our year together.

In fourth grade, teachers encourage self-confidence, a love of learning, a sense of responsibility, and pride in accomplishment. Students are encouraged to become more articulate about their needs as learners, asking questions and seeking out assistance when needed. We emphasize problem solving, responsibility, collaboration, and community engagement. Through inquiry, exploration, discussion, and project work, students develop empathy by learning about themselves and others. Students explore human rights through the topics of LGBTQ+ history, the Black Lives Matter Movement, people with disabilities, and refugees. Through these units, they start developing an understanding of how to engage in the diverse world around them.

Fifth grade is the top rung of the lower school ladder and the precursor to the DCD middle school experience. In preparation for this transition, the fifth-grade year focuses on students’ developing more autonomy and responsibility while still being supported by the familiar routines and practices of the lower-school community. Fifth graders strive to think more critically and independently. At the same time, they continue to refine their skills with cooperative learning, conflict resolution, and personal organization. As leaders of the lower school division, fifth-graders act as role models for younger students. This is a year for enhanced academic, social, and personal maturation, which will serve as a solid foundation for moving on to middle school.