Curriculum
The Lower School curriculum is built on a strong foundation of reading, writing and mathematics instruction. Reading specialists and a dedicated math teacher join forces with the classroom teachers to create smaller groups for reading and math lessons, which focus on concept mastery. Our reading program is phonics-based with a boy-friendly literature component. In math, instruction emphasizes number sense and problem-solving. Writing is not limited to language arts classes. The students write both fiction and non-fiction selections for science and social studies classes on a regular basis. The annual Southside Stories publication showcases the writings of Lower School students.
Realizing the world is becoming ever more inter-connected, our program includes foreign language instruction k-5. Conversational Spanish builds student confidence in learning a second language. Child-friendly activities, games, and songs make learning Spanish fun!
Art, music, library and physical education develop well-rounded young men. Our students learn the importance of color, texture, rhythm, and tonality while exploring different media and world cultures. The annual Art and Music Show highlights the students’ creativity and achievement with a gallery of their artwork, original compositions on the computer, and vocal and instrumental performances. The library program encourages a love of reading with weekly classes, books that appeal to boys, book clubs that meet regularly during lunch for third through fifth graders and book to movie afternoons. Physical education classes meet daily in the Lower School and focus on skill development and sportsmanship. Parents are invited to join their sons for Friday Dodgeball—a Lower School tradition.
Information Technology
Technology plays an important role in Lower School instruction. Students and teachers all make use of web-based applications in various subject areas. Whether creating a web introduction to the school using voice threads, producing a stop-action video of the founding of Maryland, or blogging about books they have read, BL students use technology to further their learning.
Cura Personalis
Lower School students learn about respect, communication and consideration. Character education is interwoven throughout the school day and in all aspects of our curriculum. The school counselor holds bi-monthly social skills classes with each homeroom to discuss friendship, communication, conflict resolution, and anti-bullying techniques. Lower School students learn what it means to respect themselves, classmates, teachers and parents. The boys also develop a sense of responsibility to the wider community through our service program.
Lower School students are encouraged to go beyond their comfort zone to try new experiences and to challenge themselves academically and athletically. Our teachers provide a supportive environment for students to learn through exploration, whether studying the effects of air pressure in the science classroom or mixing colors in the art room. We believe all students can achieve, and we challenge each student to do his very best.