Academics
Our academic program is rooted in a fundamental understanding of the developmental stages of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.
This informs everything we do and provides the foundation for our students to become highly motivated learners with a strong sense of self-worth and efficacy.
Through Lowell’s integrated curriculum, students will:
- Develop critical and analytical thinking
- Participate in active collaboration
- Investigate multiple perspectives
- Ask questions and search for answers
- Have a strong sense of self
- Become leaders in their high schools and beyond
- Make a positive impact on their communities
What Is Emergent Curriculum?
If you want young children to take the lead in their own learning, you have to start with what interests them and then deepen their engagement. Our teachers observe their students, drawing out their questions, and extending their interest with just the right provocation to learn more. In the process, they make sure children are acquiring the important social, emotional, and pre-academic skills they’ll need when they start Kindergarten.
Why Progressive Education Works
Progressive education is experiential, active learning that honors the developmental ages and stages of physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. This informs everything we do and provides the foundation for our students to become highly motivated learners with a strong sense of self-worth and efficacy.
Pre-Primary School
Starting at 2 1/2
Lowell’s Pre-Primary School celebrates children as learners, nurtures their natural curiosity, and supports their social-emotional growth. Our hands-on project-based program embraces an emergent curriculum and a play-based, child-centered approach. Teachers listen to students’ interests and guide lessons to engage them in learning while helping them achieve developmental milestones. In addition, they help children develop their skills and understanding in various specialist classes. Domains of development and skills focus on:
- Social and Emotional Development
- Language and Communication
- Literacy
- Cognitive Development
- Physical Development
- STEAM Education
- Music and Creative Arts
- Spanish
Primary School
Kindergarten–5th Grade
In keeping with our progressive approach to education, Lowell’s Primary School (Kindergarten–5th grade) students are valued as unique individuals and community members. Our teachers work with students in small instructional groups to meet their individual learning needs, promoting hands-on, collaborative learning with an emphasis on conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and critical, creative, and analytical thinking. Students engage in math, language arts, social studies, and writing and literacy with homeroom teachers every day. Rotating weekly specials include:
- Science
- Spanish
- Art
- Dance
- PE/Swim
- Music/Drama
- Library/Tech
- SEL
Middle School
6th–8th Grade
Lowell’s Middle School students are empowered to grow into their best selves, identify their academic strengths and goals, and positively impact their classes, communities, and beyond. Teachers tailor classroom experiences so students are challenged and supported in applying their learning in creative and practical ways, while also being prepared to succeed, not only in competitive high school programs, but also in our rapidly changing world.
Core classes in the humanities, math, science, Spanish, and the arts, along with a required weekly seminar, anchor the schedule. Students explore independence and choice by selecting electives and minors, and practice social-emotional skills through Lowell’s unique Delta program.
Learn More about middle school
Preparing for High School and Beyond
Our comprehensive program prepares students to thrive wherever they continue their education. We support families at every step of the high school admissions process, and our teachers and administrators play central roles in providing guidance and advice throughout the year. Lowell graduates find high schools that best match their academic strengths and interests.