Where Curiosity Leads to Confidence

At New Garden Friends School, Lower School is a place where children are known, challenged, and inspired. Serving students in Kindergarten through sixth grade, our program combines strong academics, hands-on learning, and a supportive community where every child is encouraged to explore their interests, develop their voice, and discover their potential. Guided by Quaker values, we believe children deserve to be respected for who they are today while being supported as they grow into who they can become.

Our curriculum is designed to honor the developing minds, bodies, and hearts of young learners. Through experiential learning, meaningful relationships, and opportunities for leadership, students build a strong academic foundation while developing the confidence, empathy, and problem-solving skills needed for future success.

Learning Through Experience

Children learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process. Throughout Lower School, students participate in hands-on investigations, thematic units, collaborative projects, outdoor exploration, and service learning experiences that connect classroom learning to the world around them. Whether they are planting in the garden, conducting science experiments, creating art inspired by history, studying ecosystems in the field, or working on community service projects, students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and make meaningful connections across disciplines.

Our integrated approach to learning helps students see how reading, writing, math, science, social studies, art, and creativity work together. Lessons are designed to spark curiosity while allowing students to learn through discovery, collaboration, and reflection.

A Community Where Every Child Belongs

Relationships are at the heart of the Lower School experience. Students learn in an environment where kindness, respect, and inclusion are intentionally cultivated every day. From Kindergarten through sixth grade, children participate in creating classroom expectations, practicing conflict resolution, and learning how to listen thoughtfully to others. These experiences help students develop empathy, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging.

Our multi-age classroom model in grades 1–6 creates opportunities for both leadership and mentorship. Students spend two years in each classroom community, allowing them to build lasting relationships while experiencing the benefits of being both a younger and older student within the group.

Academic Growth at Every Stage

Kindergarten

“Sunrise” students learn through a balance of structured instruction, purposeful play, and exploration. Small-group learning and individualized attention allow teachers to meet students where they are while nurturing growth in literacy, mathematics, problem-solving, and social-emotional development. Students enjoy daily opportunities for outdoor play, art, music, physical education, and service learning.

Grades 1–2

In “Rainbow,” students deepen foundational skills through thematic units that integrate multiple subjects. Learning is active and engaging, with opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and choice. Students begin developing organizational skills and independence while building confidence as readers, writers, mathematicians, and critical thinkers.

Grades 3–4

In “Horizon,” students become increasingly independent learners. Through project-based learning, scientific investigations, collaborative activities, and research projects, they develop stronger critical thinking and communication skills. Students begin managing longer-term assignments while exploring topics in greater depth and complexity.

Grades 5–6

In “Galaxy,” students prepare for the transition to Middle School through increased responsibility, goal-setting, and self-reflection. Students are challenged to think critically, manage their time effectively, and take ownership of their learning. Field studies, leadership opportunities, and immersive projects help students connect academic learning with real-world experiences while building confidence and resilience.

Beyond the Classroom

Every Lower School student participates in enrichment classes taught by specialists in art, music, and physical education. Students also engage in service learning, an important part of the NGFS experience that encourages them to contribute positively to their community and understand their responsibility to others.

As students progress through Lower School, opportunities for leadership, creativity, outdoor education, clubs, performances, and community engagement continue to expand, helping each child discover new interests and strengths.

Building a Foundation for Lifelong Learning

By the time students leave Lower School, they have developed strong academic skills, confidence in their abilities, and a deep sense of community. More importantly, they have learned how to ask thoughtful questions, collaborate with others, solve problems creatively, and approach new challenges with curiosity and courage.

At New Garden Friends School, Lower School is more than preparation for the next grade level—it's where children discover the joy of learning and begin to understand the unique gifts they bring to the world.