Lower School (K-4th)

The Language Arts program focuses on developing independent readers, writers, listeners and speakers. Early literacy skills are developed as part of a structured approach, including explicit phonics-based instruction supported by Orton-Gillingham, a multi-sensory approach. Building a strong foundation of spelling, reading and writing skills through this approach paves the way for students to tackle more complex texts in the upper grades. In all grades, lessons are taught in whole-group and small-group settings. They provide opportunities for students to practice and strengthen their reading comprehension, fluency, vocabulary and writing skills through partner work. A unique component of our literacy program includes thoughtful and purposeful integration of social and emotional learning. Daily use of cooperative learning structures allows students to hear other perspectives, learn from peers, develop interpersonal skills, and reach agreement.

Lower School-age students are natural scientists. The goal of the science curriculum is to nurture their innate curiosity and expand their knowledge of the natural world. Our dedicated science lab and outdoor garden are ideal spaces for students to be inspired to observe, ask questions, make discoveries, and draw conclusions in Earth science, physical science and life science. The curriculum encourages students to experience science by exploring the natural world and making objective observations. Young scientists learn best through the hands-on approach that allows them to experience the complex processes they are learning about and connect them to the real world.

The Elementary School guidance program is addresses students' social and emotional development needs and growth, with an emphasis on character education. Other priorities include effective communication skills, decision-making, self-control, conflict resolution, empathy and goal setting. Elementary School students have weekly guidance classes during one of the two school semesters each year. School counselors are also available for one-on-one or small group meetings to address specific student needs. 

The Lower School music curriculum fosters enjoyment, understanding and appreciation for diverse styles of music, the creative process, pride in one's musical abilities, and making informed musical choices. The strong listening component at all grade levels develops the ability to recognize styles, timbres, rhythms, harmonies, textures and forms. It involves the student in learning to make value judgments important to consumers. Students at all levels are encouraged to explore their own creative and performing abilities and are provided opportunities to do so. 

The Lower School general/vocal music program's main objective is to promote a lifelong love of music. Students learn the basics of note-reading and beginning music vocabulary to seamlessly continue their musical education in the middle school chorus and band. Students are exposed to a wide variety of music, from classical to pop. Budding musicians have multiple opportunities to sing and play during school assemblies, chapel singing and grade-level concerts.

Beginning in 4th grade, students are introduced to instrumental music. Students choose an instrument and learn the basics of music appreciation and performance. Music study benefits all core subjects and instills a lifelong love of the arts.

St. Martin's physical education program promotes students' lifelong commitment to physical well-being, health and personal fitness. Through independent practice, cooperative learning groups and game play, students learn and develop skills in basic movement, physical fitness, and individual and team sports. Skill-related fitness and personal skills for well-being are taught along with interpersonal communication, safety, and fairness in gameplay. Health-related fitness and maintaining physical fitness throughout adulthood is a frequent topic of discussion. The program emphasizes good sportsmanship, giving your best effort and continuous improvement in athletic talent. Classes meet twice a week, and students are encouraged to strive for new physical performance and enjoyment levels.

The Lower School religion curriculum is designed to help students develop their own faith using Scripture, tradition, reason, worship and service to others. The curriculum and its corresponding worship are based on the Episcopal Church. Through weekly religion classes, students learn about Christianity through Bible study, church history and the development of Christian virtues such as faith, charity, generosity, humility and love. Students learn that the Episcopalian denomination is but one of more than 16,000 types of Christianity. They are also made aware of the many non-Christian religions in the world and the importance of respecting, understanding and valuing them. The Episcopal faith is not presented as the only or the right faith; rather, it is just one of many. 

Worship in weekly Chapel services and daily devotion in the classroom allows students to participate, experience and act upon their knowledge and understanding of their faith. Participation is not required at school services. We simply ask students to witness all the rituals of the Episcopal Church as one example of how to follow a religious tradition. We hope it will help them learn to engage and follow their faith traditions. Intellectual inquiry is expected, encouraged and honored. 

All St. Martin's students participate in projects throughout the school year to support those in need. Each Elementary School grade level focuses on a particular service project that is developmentally appropriate and allows them to experience the joy of helping others through a food drive, toy collection, writing letters to military personnel and many other efforts.

Speech and Drama is taught in the third, fourth and fifth grades. Each year begins with creating a classroom culture that embraces fearless creativity and is anchored in the unwavering support of the instructor and other students in the class. The curriculum explores the basics of theater games and improvisation, which cultivate detail-oriented listening, quick thinking, camaraderie and trust. The basics of dramatic structure are presented, reviewed and built on each year through activities and discussion. Public speaking is introduced in the third grade and evolves from persuasive and impromptu speaking to debate to broadcast journalism. Practical tools are introduced to minimize stage fright throughout the curriculum. The spoken word is further examined through a three-year world folktale storytelling project. Performance storytelling requires both acting and public speaking skills and is a presentation style that incorporates social studies, foreign language, history, cultural education and language arts.

Our Innovation and Design lab centers serves as a dedicated space for students to explore STEAM principles - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.  Learning experiences center around the design thinking process and invite students to exercise four essential skills: collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity. Our I&D teachers seek opportunities to extend the core curriculum activities and projects that encourage students to take risks, innovate, prototype ideas, reflect on and revise a plan to solve problems or meet challenges. Students are also introduced to simple robotics, computer science concepts and the engineering design process.

The Lower School technology curriculum covers basic skills, productivity, research and communication, ethical issues and digital citizenship. At St. Martin's, students use technology as a tool to enhance the classroom curriculum. Skill-building opportunities provided through the activities serve to integrate this technology. The technology standards are incorporated to ensure students are prepared to compete in the outside world. Students in the first, second and third grades use iPads in the classroom. Fourth and fifth graders use Chromebooks throughout their day through a 1:1 program.

The Lower School visual arts program is a spiraling curriculum. This teaching strategy allows students to enter the program at any age level. Self-expression and originality in producing art imagery using a wide range of two- and three-dimensional media is encouraged at all age levels. Students develop knowledge through the application of the elements of design (line, shape, form, texture, space, color, value) and the principles (movement, rhythm, balance, emphasis, contrast, harmony, unity, proportion) that organize those elements into a sound visual composition.

The Lower School World Language program is a spiraling curriculum focusing on communication, culture, connection, comparison and community. Lower School students learn Spanish through a hands-on approach incorporating songs and rhymes, games, social situations, arts and crafts and cross-curricular experiences. The goal of the world language curriculum is to foster in students the skills and attitudes necessary to develop communicative competence in a second language.