Together we'll get a great start!

We believe small classes benefit all of our students - but the benefits are especially valuable for those who are in Kindergarten through 4th Grade. Substantial research supports that positive and meaningful experiences in those grades set a child up for a lifetime of high academic achievement! Our curriculum is challenging and engaging, and our homework is purposeful and age-appropriate. 

Regular classroom teachers focus on the basics: reading, writing, math, and social studies. But we also want our students to be well-rounded, so every Lower School student studies music, art, science, Spanish and physical education twice a week with teachers who are specialists in those subjects. Students also visit the Library Media Center weekly to improve literacy skills.

 
 
““I just wanted to take a moment before the year end to express my extreme gratitude to the Lower School teachers at Walden. Not only has Mrs. Bledsoe been wonderful and attentive throughout the year but catching wind of other teachers putting in an effort to care for and make Olivia happy/comfortable is truly heartwarming. They not only have their own students to care for and connect with but somehow still find the time to dedicate and form a relationship with kiddos in other classes as well.

The day we toured Walden we knew this was the only place for her and are so grateful it is even an option to attend.””
— Walden Kindergarten Parent

Play. Imagine. Explore.

Walden believes children learn best when they are given the opportunity to explore, imagine, and play. With this philosophy of learning, Lower School classrooms and curriculum are intentionally designed and centered on Walden’s core values: Community, Curiosity, Respect, and Responsibility.

Walden’s core values are embedded in our class environment, lessons, and class discipline. The schedule and the curriculum are specifically designed to echo Henry David Thoreau’s educational philosophies with individualism and naturalism to develop the lifelong learner.

 

Lower School Curriculum

In our commitment to providing a well-rounded and enriching educational experience, we have carefully selected a diverse range of curricula and instructional approaches to meet the needs of our students across all grade levels. From fostering a love for science and math through hands-on activities and personalized learning tools to building strong literacy and writing skills with structured, multisensory programs, our comprehensive curriculum is designed to support students in every aspect of their academic journey.

    • Inspire Science K-6

      • A comprehensive science curriculum designed for Grades K-6. It integrates hands-on activities and digital resources to encourage inquiry-based learning and foster a deep understanding of scientific concepts.

    • Reveal Math

      • A math curriculum used as a guideline for Common Core Standards that emphasizes conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Additional resources are also utilized to support the needs of all students.

    • Orton-Gillingham K-2 for In-Class intervention

      • A multi-sensory, structured literacy approach used for in-class intervention in Grades K-2. It is particularly effective for students with dyslexia or reading difficulties, focusing on phonics, spelling, and reading comprehension.

    • Handwriting

      • Handwriting Without Tears (K): A handwriting program for Kindergarten that uses multisensory techniques to teach letter formation and handwriting skills in a developmentally appropriate manner.

    • Spanish

      • Sonrisa Spanish (K-4th): A Spanish curriculum for Grades K-4th that uses storytelling, music, and cultural activities to teach language skills and foster a love for learning Spanish.

    • Inspire Science K-6

      • A comprehensive science curriculum designed for Grades K-6. It integrates hands-on activities and digital resources to encourage inquiry-based learning and foster a deep understanding of scientific concepts.

    • Reveal Math

      • A math curriculum used as a guideline for Common Core Standards that emphasizes conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Additional resources are also utilized to support the needs of all students.

    • Orton-Gillingham K-2 for In-Class Intervention

      • A multi-sensory, structured literacy approach used for in-class intervention in Grades K-2. It is particularly effective for students with dyslexia or reading difficulties, focusing on phonics, spelling, and reading comprehension.

    • Handwriting

      • Zaner-Bloser (1st-4th): A handwriting curriculum for Grades 1st-4th that focuses on teaching proper letter formation and handwriting fluency.

    • Spanish

      • Sonrisa Spanish (K-4th): A Spanish curriculum for Grades K-4th that uses storytelling, music, and cultural activities to teach language skills and foster a love for learning Spanish.

    • Inspire Science K-6

      • A comprehensive science curriculum designed for Grades K-6. It integrates hands-on activities and digital resources to encourage inquiry-based learning and foster a deep understanding of scientific concepts.

    • Reveal Math

      • A math curriculum used as a guideline for Common Core Standards that emphasizes conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Additional resources are also utilized to support the needs of all students.

    • Orton-Gillingham K-2 for In-Class Intervention

      • A multi-sensory, structured literacy approach used for in-class intervention in Grades K-2. It is particularly effective for students with dyslexia or reading difficulties, focusing on phonics, spelling, and reading comprehension.

      Daily Grammar Practice

      • A daily grammar curriculum that builds grammar knowledge incrementally. Students practice identifying parts of speech, sentence structure, and punctuation through consistent, short exercises.

    • Handwriting

      • Zaner-Bloser (1st-4th): A handwriting curriculum for Grades 1st-4th that focuses on teaching proper letter formation and handwriting fluency.

    • Spanish

      • Sonrisa Spanish (K-4th): A Spanish curriculum for Grades K-4th that uses storytelling, music, and cultural activities to teach language skills and foster a love for learning Spanish.

    • Inspire Science K-6

      • A comprehensive science curriculum designed for Grades K-6. It integrates hands-on activities and digital resources to encourage inquiry-based learning and foster a deep understanding of scientific concepts.

    • Reveal Math K-6 (ALEKS component for 3rd-6th)

      • A math curriculum for Grades K-6 that emphasizes conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. The ALEKS component for Grades 3rd-6th offers personalized learning through adaptive technology to address individual student needs.

    • Writing Revolution

      • A writing program that emphasizes the development of clear and effective writing skills. It focuses on sentence construction, paragraph development, and the integration of writing across different subjects.

      Daily Grammar Practice

      • A daily grammar curriculum that builds grammar knowledge incrementally. Students practice identifying parts of speech, sentence structure, and punctuation through consistent, short exercises.

    • Handwriting

      • Zaner-Bloser (1st-4th): A handwriting curriculum for Grades 1st-4th that focuses on teaching proper letter formation and handwriting fluency.

    • Spanish

      • Sonrisa Spanish (K-4th): A Spanish curriculum for Grades K-4th that uses storytelling, music, and cultural activities to teach language skills and foster a love for learning Spanish.

    • Inspire Science K-6

      • A comprehensive science curriculum designed for Grades K-6. It integrates hands-on activities and digital resources to encourage inquiry-based learning and foster a deep understanding of scientific concepts.

    • Reveal Math K-6 (ALEKS component for 3rd-6th)

      • A math curriculum for Grades K-6 that emphasizes conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. The ALEKS component for Grades 3rd-6th offers personalized learning through adaptive technology to address individual student needs.

    • Writing Revolution

      • A writing program that emphasizes the development of clear and effective writing skills. It focuses on sentence construction, paragraph development, and the integration of writing across different subjects.

      Daily Grammar Practice

      • A daily grammar curriculum that builds grammar knowledge incrementally. Students practice identifying parts of speech, sentence structure, and punctuation through consistent, short exercises.

    • Handwriting

      • Zaner-Bloser (1st-4th): A handwriting curriculum for Grades 1st-4th that focuses on teaching proper letter formation and handwriting fluency.

    • Spanish

      • Sonrisa Spanish (K-4th): A Spanish curriculum for Grades K-4th that uses storytelling, music, and cultural activities to teach language skills and foster a love for learning Spanish.

 
“We are so very happy to be part of the Walden community. Our kids are learning so much, have made good friends, and are happy to go to school each day. What more could parents ask for? Thank you for all of your hard work to create such a wonderful, nurturing place!”
— Lower School Parent
 
 

Meet our Kindergarten Teachers

Kindergarten is the foundation of a child's educational journey. At Walden, those first steps are guided by teachers who love their students, nurture confidence, promote individualized learning, and hone social-emotional development.

Kindergarteners are not just part of a class; they are part of an entire community that welcomes them like family!

 

Learning Through Nature

In and outside of the classroom, we emphasize play-based learning for young minds. With individualized attention and focus on outdoor exploration, Walden Lower Schoolers are inspired to be curious and confident learners.

 
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LOWER SCHOOL Faculty

EXTRACURRICULAR Activities

Fine Arts Program

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ENROLL IN LOWER SCHOOL

 
 
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“It is in young minds that creativity and curiosity begin to grow. I strongly believe our Lower School program creates the path for discovering these values inherently dormant in each child. We help students take the first step to a successful education, awakening and nurturing a lifelong curiosity and passion for learning.”
— Kelly Von Busch, Director of K-6th Grade
 
 

Lower School Hours

School hours reflect an agenda that promotes time for both classroom learning and involvement in personal academic and social activities. Friday hours are shortened to accommodate studying, after-school assistance and attendance for clubs or athletics.

MONDAY - THURSDAY
8:00am - 2:45pm

FRIDAY
8:00am - 12:45pm