Lowell takes a progressive and developmental approach to social studies. The curriculum supports children in developing an understanding of self and others, identity, and diversity. As students progress, they learn what it means to be effective community members at Lowell and beyond. By the upper grades students have opportunities to assume leadership roles that support the Lowell community.
Young students begin with the exploration of the classroom community and then move to explore Lowell and the surrounding neighborhood as well as their own neighborhoods. As children progress, the curriculum expands both geographically and over time. Students develop an understanding of the geography and history of Washington, DC and the watershed of the Chesapeake Bay. Students explore Native American cultures and cultures that later came to North America, as well as their impact and influence on one another. Students study the early history of the United States and develop an understanding of the people and events that created the foundation for our government. Map skills and geography are woven into many of the units, providing students with the tools to read and use a wide variety of maps and an understanding of the connections between physical and cultural geography.