Lower School
Junior Kindergarten through Sixth Grade
Three Days on Campus. Two Days Learning at Home. One Connected Community. Building foundations.
During the Grammar Stage, students build the knowledge, skills, and habits that become the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Through great stories, memorization, narration, recitation, discussion, hands-on learning, and rich content, students develop a deep store of knowledge while learning to pay attention, ask good questions, communicate clearly, and think well.
Together, parents and teachers cultivate students who know what is true, love what they ought to love, recognize what is beautiful, and grow in wisdom and virtue.
Spiritual & Virtue Formation
Faith is woven throughout the school day. Students learn to see God's truth and goodness in every subject—from literature and history to mathematics and science. Through morning meetings, Scripture memorization, prayer, and daily practices of kindness, obedience, and self-control, students begin developing the habits and virtues that shape a faithful life. These early foundations nurture a love for what is true, good, and beautiful and encourage students to grow in Christlikeness.
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Students begin the day together in community through prayer, Scripture, singing, announcements, and shared learning. These gatherings build school-wide unity, reinforce Christian virtues, and cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose.
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Students memorize Scripture and learn songs and hymns that help them know God’s Word, treasure truth, and carry it with them throughout life. Through repetition and joyful singing, students build a lasting foundation of faith, language, and worship.
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Students study the Bible as the foundation of Christian faith and life, tracing God’s redemptive story and growing in their understanding of Scripture, doctrine, and Christian character.
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Students learn to view all areas of study through the truth of Scripture, recognizing God as the source of truth and exploring how faith shapes their understanding of the world, their relationships, and their responsibilities.
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Students learn to pray with reverence and confidence, developing a daily habit of bringing their needs, gratitude, and praise before God. Through prayer, students grow in their relationship with God and learn to depend on Him in every area of life.
A Rich Tradition of Literature
Our literature program introduces students to great stories, beloved classics, poetry, mythology, fables, fairy tales, and historical fiction—the best of the literary tradition. Through rich and memorable works, students build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, cultivate imagination, and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Students encounter stories that inspire courage, virtue, wonder, and wisdom, including selections from classic collections such as James Baldwin’s Fifty Famous Stories Retold. Through narration and recitation, students learn to listen carefully, articulate their thoughts, remember what they have read, and engage deeply with beautiful language and enduring ideas.
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Little Bear
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The Story about Ping
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Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie
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Brambly Hedge
Lower School Curriculum
Student Life & Co-curriculars
Students build friendships and discover their gifts through field trips, community events, chorus, theater, and athletics. Beginning in 2nd grade, students can participate in chorus and theater opportunities, while athletic opportunities include swimming beginning in 4th grade and cross country and boys' basketball beginning in 6th grade.
Students also enjoy daily recess on our large playground, outdoor lunch, basketball goals, and plenty of space to play, move, explore, and build friendships. These experiences help students develop confidence, teamwork, perseverance, and a strong sense of belonging within the COA community.