Pre-Primary School

Academics

Young children are naturally curious. Our Pre-Primary School takes a child’s curiosity and multiplies it so that our youngest students discover the joy of learning, grow in their confidence, and develop strong fundamental skills for Kindergarten and for life.

Early Education Experts

At Lowell, children are guided to embrace experiences in the world around them—exploring puzzles and magnets in our Wonder Lab, making friends and resolving conflicts, playing instruments, counting objects and graphing data, learning new words in English and Spanish, observing frogs and fish in the creek in our front yard, and even practicing yoga! In a kind and gentle way, teachers encourage children to stretch and learn every day.

Lowell teachers recognize that young children require an engaging learning environment where they feel safe and connected to their teachers and classmates. Our teachers are especially skilled in creating activities and projects that engage young minds, spark questions, and promote deep and meaningful learning in all areas of development. At the same time, they create a nurturing environment that includes an appropriate amount of structure and predictability to help children adjust to school life, learn to interact in a community with their peers, and become more independent.

All of our Pre-Primary School teachers are closely attuned to the strengths and readiness of their students and are eager to partner with parents to help provide the tools they need to promote their children’s continued growth and development at home.

Nuts and Bolts

List of 5 items.

  • Classroom Placement

    Factors taken into consideration when placing children into the three Pre-Primary classrooms:
    • chronological age
    • developmental readiness
    • diversity and balance in each classroom
    • enrollment

  • The Transition to Kindergarten

    Students beginning the school year at age 4 or older are potentially age-eligible for Kindergarten the following year. The average age in Kindergarten is 5 1/2 with most children beginning at least as old as 5. 

    The decision of when to start Kindergarten is based on developmental readiness as assessed by current teachers against benchmarks that have proven to be effective predictors of success in Kindergarten. Other factors such as emotional sturdiness and the ability to take risks are also considered. The decision is made by the school in discussion wiht the parent(s) or guardian(s).

  • Groupings

    Typical age ranges in the Pre-Primary classrooms:
    • Discovery Room—2.6-year-olds and young 3-year-olds 
    • Pioneers Room—3-year-olds
    • Explorers Room—older 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds 
    • Adventurers Room—4-year-olds and young 5-year-olds
    • Voyagers Room—4-year-olds and young 5-year-olds

  • After School Care

    Families with children in the All Day Program have the option of signing up for Lowell’s After Care program, which can be used on a regular or drop-in basis. The children are also eligible to take some after-school minicourses, instrumental music lessons, and swimming lessons.

  • Potty Training

    Children do not have to be potty trained to enter the Discovery Room. Teachers work with families to help children who are making the transition to school.
1640 Kalmia Road NW
Washington, DC 20012
202-577-2000

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Lowell School is a private PK-8th grade school located in NW Washington, DC. Our mission is to create an inclusive community of lifelong learners in which each individual is valued and respected.