Lower School

Our Lower School builds a foundation for constructive learning habits, both academically and socially. Academically, emphasis on conceptual understanding is valued. Our classes allow for the expansion of topics into meaningful interdisciplinary experiences, developing students' critical-thinking abilities and problem-solving strategies.

Lower School teachers recognize that children are spontaneous, active, and highly curious. While honoring each child’s curiosity, students are given assistance to develop and apply skills that demonstrate understanding, respect, and self-confidence. Emphasis is placed on horizontal enrichment designed to broaden conceptual understanding rather than on vertical acceleration. When children are ready to take academic, creative and/or cognitive leaps, they find the support and encouragement they need.

We also view the social growth of students as important as their academic development. This is seen through the discrete teaching of emotional skills throughout our curriculum and the Synapse program. Students learn to become responsible for their behavior, cooperate as members of a group, and show empathy for others both in the school house and in the surrounding world.

Lower School students have a homeroom teacher who provides reading, writing, math, social studies, and science instruction, as well as a math and science specialist who further enrich their studies. In addition, the Lower School offers classes taught by specialists in the areas of art, music, technology, physical education, health, Spanish, Mandarin, and library/information services. See our list of faculty, below.

Lower School Faculty
Susan Amsler-Akacem, Technology
Lachlan Ashenmiller, Grade 1 Associate Teacher
Sarah Berkley, Science
Kristen Blum, Grade 2 Co-Teacher
Tamarin Camp, Substitute Teacher
Casey Castañeda, Math Specialist
Stephanie Chavez, Grade 2 Associate Teacher
Yuqi (Eva) Chen, Grade 1 Associate Teacher
Madeleine Cichy, Art
Cheryl Cluley, Kindergarten Co-Teacher
Tom Darlow, Division Head
Brice Dixon, Grade 3 P.E.
Mariajose (Mari) Fierro-Alvarez, Grade 2 Co-Teacher
Robyn Filimaua, Kindergarten Co-Teacher
Amy Forbes, Grade 1 Teacher
Yingying Gao, Grades K–2 Mandarin
Lynne Hakim, Counselor
Sherral Hartung, Grade 3 Teacher
Sage Johnson, Substitute Teacher and Extended Day Instructor
Cassie Koscianski, Grade 3 Teacher
Christina Larsen, Grade 2 Teacher
Michaela Lee, Kindergarten Co-Teacher
Erick Linares, Spanish
Chuck Lintz, Athletics Director and Grades K–2 P.E.
Melissa Lopez, Grade 3 Teacher
Vickie Madriaga, Substitute Teacher
Carina Mauro, Kindergarten Co-Teacher
Gia Mauro, Grade 1 Teacher
Xiaoling Mo, Grades 3–8 Mandarin
Maika Ortiz, Grade 1 Associate Teacher
Carlo Sinagra, Grade 1 Teacher
Joanne Sobieck-Lingg, Library/Media Specialist
Takiya Taylor, Grade 2 Teacher
Adrienne Timmons, Music
Lucas Wilson, Grade 2 Associate Teacher