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LOWER SCHOOL
Quick Facts About SA Lower School
Partial Greek Language Immersion
Lower School students engage in daily Greek language instruction and learn mathematics in Greek, developing bilingual skills while deepening cultural understanding.
Small Class Sizes
Small class sizes ensure each child receives personalized attention and support.
Strong Teacher-Student Relationships
Smaller group settings foster meaningful connections between teachers and students, enhancing both academic growth and emotional development.
Rigorous Academics with a Global Lens
Our dual-language curriculum blends classical education with multicultural awareness, preparing students to think critically and act globally.
Uniform Policy
Students wear uniforms Monday through Friday, promoting a focused learning environment.
Character and Community-Centered
We emphasize respect, responsibility, and global citizenship to help students grow into thoughtful, engaged members of their communities.
LOWER SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Our Greek language program immerses students in the rich language and culture of Greece. Through engaging activities, students develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Greek. The curriculum is designed to be both challenging and fun, encouraging students to achieve fluency and a deep appreciation for the language. From basic vocabulary to more complex sentence structures, our program lays a strong foundation for continued language study in the upper grades.
The math curriculum taught in Greek mirrors the content delivered in English, ensuring that students receive the same high-quality education, just in a different language. Additionally, math instruction in English is provided to reinforce understanding and ensure comprehensive proficiency.
Students are taught Singapore Math, a method that employs a three-step learning process: concrete, pictorial, and abstract. This approach provides students with multiple strategies to solve problems, enabling them to determine which method works best for their individual learning style.
Our Kindergarten through 5th grade English curriculum follows North Carolina standards, focusing on developing foundational language skills. Students engage in reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities designed to build literacy and communication abilities.
The curriculum includes:
• Kindergarten:Introduction to letter recognition, phonics, basic sight words, and simple sentences. Emphasis on listening and speaking skills through stories and discussions.
• 1st Grade:Development of reading fluency and comprehension, expanding vocabulary, and writing simple narratives and informational texts.
• 2nd Grade:Strengthening reading comprehension, exploring a variety of texts, and enhancing writing skills with more complex sentences and paragraphs.
• 3rd Grade:Fostering deeper reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing structured essays. Introduction to grammar and punctuation rules.
• 4th Grade:Advanced reading strategies for fiction and non-fiction, focused writing practice including opinion pieces, informative texts, and narratives.
• 5th Grade:Mastery of reading comprehension, analyzing texts, and refining writing skills. Emphasis on grammar, punctuation, and creating multi-paragraph essays.
Students actively engage in social studies and science through innovative teaching methods such as role-playing, creative simulations, dynamic group projects, and various writing activities.
Social Studies: Scholars explore a range of topics, including what constitutes a community, the basics of geography, how people utilize the environment, the roles of service providers within a community, principles of being a good shopper, ways in which an individual can make a difference in their community, and the responsibilities of a good citizen. These interactive approaches foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of social studies concepts.
Science: Scholars studying science based on North Carolina standards engage in hands-on, exploratory activities to learn basic concepts in earth, life, and physical sciences. They observe weather patterns, explore plant and animal life, and experiment with different materials and simple forces. The curriculum emphasizes observation, inquiry, and communication, fostering curiosity and a love for science.
Our weekly technology special for grades K-4 introduces fundamental digital literacy skills tailored to each grade level. Kindergarten and first grade students learn basic computer operations and mouse control through interactive games and activities. Second and third graders explore foundational software applications such as word processing and educational games that reinforce math and language skills. Fourth graders focus on internet safety, digital citizenship, and basic coding concepts through age-appropriate projects and discussions. Throughout all grades, the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible use of technology in an engaging and supportive learning environment.
Elementary school Physical Education (PE) programs focus on promoting physical activity, fitness, and health among students. Classes include a variety of activities such as team sports, individual exercises, fitness challenges, and coordination drills. Teachers emphasize fundamental movement skills like running, jumping, throwing, and catching, while also teaching sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play. PE aims to instill lifelong habits of physical fitness and well-being in young learners.
Elementary art at the Academy encourages creativity and self-expression through diverse projects and mediums. Students explore various artistic techniques, learn about art history, and develop their skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and more. Our program fosters an appreciation for the arts, enhances fine motor skills, and promotes critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in a supportive and inspiring environment.
In a Greek immersion school, the elementary music program integrates Greek cultural elements with foundational musical education. Students learn traditional Greek songs, instruments, and dances alongside basic music theory and skills. The curriculum includes interactive activities such as singing, rhythm exercises, and simple instrument playing to develop musical literacy and appreciation. Teachers often incorporate Greek mythology and history into music lessons to enrich students' cultural understanding. The program aims to foster a deep connection to Greek heritage through engaging and educational musical experiences.
In a 5th grade band program, students typically begin by learning the basics of musical instruments such as the flute, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, or percussion. They receive instruction on how to produce sound, read music notation, and play simple melodies. Classes include group rehearsals where students practice together under the guidance of a music teacher. The curriculum focuses on developing fundamental skills like rhythm, tone production, and ensemble playing. As they progress, students may have opportunities to perform in school concerts or assemblies, showcasing their musical growth and teamwork. The band program encourages a love for music and lays a foundation for continued musical exploration in middle and high school.
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