Lower Elementary (Kindergarten-2nd Grade)
Lower School years are filled with joyful learning and deep community connection. Children learn to read, write, solve problems, and navigate relationships in a setting that honors who they are and how they grow. Small class sizes, responsive teaching, and daily outdoor play help students feel grounded and confident. With regular opportunities for public speaking, group work, and creative expression, students don’t just gain academic skills - they become part of a vibrant community that lifts them up.
LITERACY
Literacy in Valley’s Lower School begins with joyful curiosity and builds toward confident expression. In kindergarten, students learn the sounds, shapes, and patterns of language through read-alouds, phonics, and playful writing. First graders move into story structure, fluency, and comprehension, while second graders expand their vocabulary and write paragraphs with detail and voice. Across all grades, small groups and writing workshops allow teachers to meet each child where they are. Children don’t just learn to read and write; they fall in love with stories and learn to share their own.
Literacy in Valley’s Lower School begins with joyful curiosity and builds toward confident expression. In kindergarten, students learn the sounds, shapes, and patterns of language through read-alouds, phonics, and playful writing. First graders move into story structure, fluency, and comprehension, while second graders expand their vocabulary and write paragraphs with detail and voice. Across all grades, small groups and writing workshops allow teachers to meet each child where they are. Children don’t just learn to read and write; they fall in love with stories and learn to share their own.
MATH
Students build a strong foundation in math by doing, discussing, and discovering. Kindergarteners begin with whole numbers, shapes, and patterns, while second graders work on measurement and multi-digit operations. Beginning in 1st grade, students use the Bridges in Mathematics 3rd Edition, which closely aligns with Valley's prioritization of understanding over memorization. In all grades, children use manipulatives, play games, and explain their thinking to classmates, learning that math is a creative, flexible tool they can use for real-world purposes.
Students build a strong foundation in math by doing, discussing, and discovering. Kindergarteners begin with whole numbers, shapes, and patterns, while second graders work on measurement and multi-digit operations. Beginning in 1st grade, students use the Bridges in Mathematics 3rd Edition, which closely aligns with Valley's prioritization of understanding over memorization. In all grades, children use manipulatives, play games, and explain their thinking to classmates, learning that math is a creative, flexible tool they can use for real-world purposes.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Our Lower School program builds strong social-emotional skills alongside academics. Every classroom starts the day with a morning meeting where students practice listening, sharing, and solving problems together. Children learn to name their emotions, show empathy, and resolve conflicts in real time - whether it’s during a playground game or group project. Teachers model kindness and celebrate effort, helping students grow into respectful, resilient learners and people.
Our Lower School program builds strong social-emotional skills alongside academics. Every classroom starts the day with a morning meeting where students practice listening, sharing, and solving problems together. Children learn to name their emotions, show empathy, and resolve conflicts in real time - whether it’s during a playground game or group project. Teachers model kindness and celebrate effort, helping students grow into respectful, resilient learners and people.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Social studies classes in Lower School help children explore identity, community, and the world. Kindergarteners celebrate cultural traditions and learn how maps connect to their daily lives. First graders build classroom constitutions and explore how parks serve people. Second graders study global cultures, ancient civilizations, and environmental justice. Through storytelling, projects, and class discussions, students learn to ask thoughtful questions and see themselves as part of a larger world.
Social studies classes in Lower School help children explore identity, community, and the world. Kindergarteners celebrate cultural traditions and learn how maps connect to their daily lives. First graders build classroom constitutions and explore how parks serve people. Second graders study global cultures, ancient civilizations, and environmental justice. Through storytelling, projects, and class discussions, students learn to ask thoughtful questions and see themselves as part of a larger world.
SPECIALIST CLASSES
Taught by expert teachers, our Science, Performing Arts, P.E., Science, Spanish, and Visual Arts classes complement the core academic and social emotional program for students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade.
Taught by expert teachers, our Science, Performing Arts, P.E., Science, Spanish, and Visual Arts classes complement the core academic and social emotional program for students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade.
Performing Arts
At Valley School, the Performing Arts program gives children space to explore sound and story. In music, they learn rhythm, pitch, and ensemble playing with instruments. In drama, they build confidence through games, role-play, and simple performances. From a kindergartner’s first winter song to a second grader’s spring play, students develop poise, listening skills, and a love of performance.
At Valley School, the Performing Arts program gives children space to explore sound and story. In music, they learn rhythm, pitch, and ensemble playing with instruments. In drama, they build confidence through games, role-play, and simple performances. From a kindergartner’s first winter song to a second grader’s spring play, students develop poise, listening skills, and a love of performance.
P.E.
P.E. at The Valley School helps children grow strong bodies and confident teamwork skills. In Lower School, students run, jump, throw, and catch in activities designed to build coordination and control. One highlight for 1st and 2nd graders is the skateboarding unit! All students play cooperative games, learn how to follow rules, and practice good sportsmanship. Lessons are high-energy and fun, and every child is encouraged to try new challenges and celebrate effort.
Science
From their earliest years, Valley School students experience science as active discovery. They dig in the garden, track weather patterns, explore buoyancy, and conduct guided experiments in the science lab. With each unit - life, earth, and physical sciences - students grow more curious and capable, asking big questions and seeking answers through observations and discussions.
Spanish
Spanish in Lower School is immersive, joyful, and communicative. Children begin with greetings, songs, and calendar routines and progress to expressing preferences, weather, and celebrations like Día de los Muertos. Lessons are oral and interactive, and include games, movement, and crafts. Community and connection are core: students use language to communicate about what matters most to them and to learn about what is important to others.
Visual Arts
In Visual Arts, students work with paint, clay, collage, sculpture, and found materials to explore ideas, stories, and identity. They are encouraged to take creative risks, experiment with techniques, and reflect on their process. Themes from classroom learning often appear in the art room, like garden murals, story illustrations, or animal sculptures. The emphasis is on process over product, and on each student developing their own artistic voice
Spanish
Spanish in Lower School is immersive, joyful, and communicative. Children begin with greetings, songs, and calendar routines and progress to expressing preferences, weather, and celebrations like Día de los Muertos. Lessons are oral and interactive, and include games, movement, and crafts. Community and connection are core: students use language to communicate about what matters most to them and to learn about what is important to others.
Visual Arts
In Visual Arts, students work with paint, clay, collage, sculpture, and found materials to explore ideas, stories, and identity. They are encouraged to take creative risks, experiment with techniques, and reflect on their process. Themes from classroom learning often appear in the art room, like garden murals, story illustrations, or animal sculptures. The emphasis is on process over product, and on each student developing their own artistic voice
LIBRARY
Each week, Lower School students visit the library with their teachers to explore stories and grow as readers. With cozy reading spaces and thoughtful curation, the library nurtures a love of books from the very start. Students hear new voices, choose just-right books, and build confidence in talking about what they read. The library also supports classroom projects with nonfiction resources and creative prompts.
Each week, Lower School students visit the library with their teachers to explore stories and grow as readers. With cozy reading spaces and thoughtful curation, the library nurtures a love of books from the very start. Students hear new voices, choose just-right books, and build confidence in talking about what they read. The library also supports classroom projects with nonfiction resources and creative prompts.