Welcome from the Director of Lower School

 

 

Rumsey’s Lower School is a vibrant hub of activity where students create and hold onto some of the best moments of their childhood. A walk down our sidewalk at any time of the day will confirm that our students love being at school.

An excellent education combines a strong sense of community with a balance of academics, the arts, and athletics. At the heart of our Lower School are Rumsey Hall’s tenets of honesty, kindness and respect. From these principles, we build upon our students’ foundations by providing a balanced, comprehensive educational experience.

Our Lower School faculty work diligently to create and maintain an approach to learning where wonder, collaboration, personal responsibility, and inquiry are an integral part of the learning experience. With a low student-teacher ratio, we focus on each child’s strengths and needs while presenting a strong base of knowledge and skills. Topics of study are often interdisciplinary and students are encouraged to ask questions and share ideas as they learn to become independent problem solvers. Being actively involved in their learning, our Lower Schoolers become confident, innovative learners that know how to find answers to their questions.

 

A place where students create and hold onto the best moments of their childhood.

Our day begins with a Lower School morning meeting where students hone their public speaking skills and learn about the day and week ahead. Mid-morning, the bell chimes and students head out to the playground for recess, a cherished part of our their development. During lunch, IIIrd Formers (5th graders) take on leadership roles and all Lower School children work as a team to serve and clean up the meal. The Lower School Student Council plan and organize community service initiatives and special events. Throughout the year, our Lower School students build lasting relationships across grade levels and learn the importance of being contributing members of our community.

When the academic day ends, learning continues in our Afternoon Enrichment Program (AEP) with various activities offered by our teachers and specialists from surrounding communities. IIIrd Formers may take part in either an AEP activity or Upper School athletics program. Activities vary by term and are in line with our mission to educate the whole child.

Our days are full and our students are actively engaged in their education. When our students’ years in the Lower School come to completion, they are confident and fully prepared for the future that awaits them in the middle school.

Rob Brenner P '14, '17, '19
Director of Lower School