Matthew J. Aborn, Head of Lower School

Students in the Lower School, Kindergarten through Fourth Grade, learn with joy and enthusiasm every day. When entering the classrooms, the library, the computer lab, the Spanish classroom, the gym or the music and art rooms, visitors to the school will see children happily engaged in their learning.

The Lower School program places great emphasis on the advancement of rigorous academic foundation skills, as well as athletic, social and emotional development. Grades Kindergarten through Fourth Grade focus on the concepts and techniques involved in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, history, art, music and physical education. Starting in Kindergarten, students are introduced to Spanish as their first foreign language. The school’s hallmark Advanced Learning Programs (ALPs), in which students participate in multi-sensory labs, enhances the math and science program. Visual and performing arts events, including plays and concerts, strengthen the curriculum while building the personal confidence of each participating student. In Third Grade, students begin receiving lessons in craftsmanship through the Industrial Arts workshop. Teachers chart student progress in all subjects and provide detailed evaluations of each child’s development.

With great attention to differentiated instruction and the needs of each individual child, a team of experienced, dedicated teachers collectively strive to administer research-based instruction in core areas of learning. Students are guided through the rigorous academic program with careful attention to responsibility towards oneself and towards the community. Each classroom is a small community, and each child is an important citizen with responsibilities and privileges.

Our friendly and warm classroom environments accentuate the family-centeredness of our school. Parents are encouraged to work closely with teachers to better understand and support the school’s curriculum and approaches to education as they apply to their own children.

Carefully selected instructional programs/materials provide our teachers with a well-stocked “toolbox” to assist them in keeping abreast of current educational research.

Please don't hesitate to call me at 516-922-4400 x113 or email me with any questions.

Best wishes,

Matthew J. Aborn
Head of Lower School