KCD’s Lower School offers an academically challenging curriculum in a personalized setting. Because of our low student-teacher ratio, we are able to form a partnership between parent, student, and teacher in order to meet the needs of the individual child. Our awareness of developmental needs and differences helps us create a child-centered curriculum that is sensitive to issues of self-confidence and self-esteem.

Our lower school faculty offers a variety of teaching methods that lay a strong foundation for future academic success. Teachers create a nurturing environment full of opportunities for creativity and academic challenge. This, in turn, develops a desire in each of our students for personal achievement in a non-competitive atmosphere. By encouraging responsibility and independence, we lay the groundwork for self-motivated discovery and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

Enrichment
The enrichment teacher meets regularly with grades 2–4 and challenges students with activities designed to encourage problem-solving and creative thinking.

Learning Specialist and Reading Enrichment
Our learning specialist and reading enrichment teacher work with advanced students to provide enrichment activities. Both teachers also work with students who are struggling in a particular area in order to reinforce sound academic strategies and strengthen skills.

Fine Arts
Students in all grade levels enjoy a full fine arts program comprising music and visual art. Students meet weekly with a music teacher and with a visual arts teacher. Projects in these classes are sometimes woven into the classroom curriculum.

In addition, students in grades 1–4 may participate in KCD’s Young Strings, an instrumental strings program.

Foreign Language
All students in the Lower School receive regular Spanish instruction. The Spanish teacher works with the classroom teacher to plan multi-disciplinary projects that support the classroom curriculum.

Technology
A full-time lower school technology coordinator oversees computer instruction for all grade levels and assists teachers in planning activities that integrate technology into the curriculum.

Library
Library time focuses on the reinforcement of reading comprehension strategies taught in the classroom. A full-time lower school librarian works with students in every grade to teach lessons connected with literacy and age-appropriate information literacy skills. In addition, students choose a book to bring home each week.

Science
Students make regular visits to the science lab, where the science coordinator presents hands-on lab activities that extend the existing science program.

Physical Education
The P.E. curriculum introduces students to the more structured aspects of physical play while cultivating an appreciation for physical fitness and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Community Service
In addition to various on-site service projects, many students in grades 3 and 4 also travel off campus to volunteer.

Parent Participation Programs
Parents in our Lower School have a number of opportunities to get involved with their children’s education.

Read-Aloud Time: Jr. K and Kindergarten parents may schedule a time to visit their child’s classroom and read a story.
Library Assistants: Parents may volunteer to assist in shelving and checking out books.
Lunch Parent: Parents may supervise lunch for their child’s class, then return to the classroom to read a story.

After School Programs
This year, KCD will provide nearly twenty after-school programs covering a wide range of interests. Classes run from 3:15–4:15 p.m. Additional after-school programs are listed below.

Bearcat Den: Children in grades JK–4 may attend this program after school from 3–6:00 p.m. Bearcat Den gives children the opportunity to play games, play outside with friends, and participate in arts and crafts in a safe, nurturing environment.
Homework Club: Students in grades 2–4 may receive after-school help in completing their homework. Students are supervised by a teacher in a quiet atmosphere as they work.

More information

Intramural Athletics
The Lower School offers a full intramural athletic program. Offerings change approximately every six weeks and include baseball, softball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, track, basketball, floor hockey, volleyball, flag football, and field hockey. More information