Lower School
The Power of Curiosity
Powered by Students’ Questions and Perspectives
At King, curiosity leads to exploration and exploration leads to mastery of foundational skills in all areas of the curriculum. We create an environment that elevates wonder, curiosity, and joy. Our youngest students’ curiosity is maximized because we honor their questions and consider their perspectives as we build strong educational foundations. As a result, they develop the confidence and accountability to discover and explore.
When young children are encouraged to ask questions and make their own discoveries, they become good listeners and critical thinkers who gain the confidence to take on challenges and seize unlimited possibilities. King School’s program is an interactive, hands-on experience that nurtures a love of learning and working with others.
King’s teachers create learning opportunities that incorporate students’ ideas and interests; our program encourages students to ask questions, gather data, learn research skills, make models, and share their learning with their peers.
Lower School Inspires Curiosity in Young Children
We believe that curiosity is a natural ability that children bring to their learning – we encourage students to ask questions, make discoveries, think critically, analyze and solve problems, be good listeners, and have fun being involved in the dynamic process of learning. We value every child and build strong, safe classroom communities where exploration and discovery lead to mastery.
Dr. Sandy Lizaire-Duff, Head of Lower School
Early Childhood
Prekindergarten and Kindergarten
Starting at age 3, students in our early childhood program explore the world around them through an approach to teaching and learning known as the Reggio Emilia-inspired methodology. This child-centered and self-guided method allows students to explore, make connections, and learn from their environment.
Elementary School
Grades 1-5
Students are encouraged to ask questions and make their own discoveries. Our lower school program is an interactive, hands-on experience that nurtures a love of learning and working with others. As they build mastery of skills, students continue to apply their natural curiosity; they learn and express their understanding of the world through discovery, project-based learning, and play.
Learn More
Lower School in Action
![Grade 5 Science Fair Highlights Collaboration and Growth]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1685122515/kinglow/ztd5zlolvjljo0wggblo/Grade5ScienceFair05192023-09581.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1685122515/kinglow/ztd5zlolvjljo0wggblo/Grade5ScienceFair05192023-09581.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1685122515/kinglow/ztd5zlolvjljo0wggblo/Grade5ScienceFair05192023-09581.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1685122515/kinglow/ztd5zlolvjljo0wggblo/Grade5ScienceFair05192023-09581.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1685122515/kinglow/ztd5zlolvjljo0wggblo/Grade5ScienceFair05192023-09581.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1685122515/kinglow/ztd5zlolvjljo0wggblo/Grade5ScienceFair05192023-09581.jpg","width":1620}])
Culminating weeks of multidisciplinary work, students proudly presented research projects at the annual Grade 5 Science Fair. Parents, faculty, and staff enjoyed learning more about the varied studies in physics, biology, engineering, and chemistry. A culminating event of the lower school experience, the collaborative work sets a strong foundation for continued studies in Middle School.
![Grade 4 Takes Geometry to the Links]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1684521187/kinglow/pb3qburfbeplmnjvmboh/Grade4MiniGolf05112023-07802.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1684521187/kinglow/pb3qburfbeplmnjvmboh/Grade4MiniGolf05112023-07802.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1684521187/kinglow/pb3qburfbeplmnjvmboh/Grade4MiniGolf05112023-07802.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1684521187/kinglow/pb3qburfbeplmnjvmboh/Grade4MiniGolf05112023-07802.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1684521187/kinglow/pb3qburfbeplmnjvmboh/Grade4MiniGolf05112023-07802.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1684521187/kinglow/pb3qburfbeplmnjvmboh/Grade4MiniGolf05112023-07802.jpg","width":1620}])
King School’s Grade 4 took geometry to the links as they applied lines and shapes to build mini-golf course holes. The lesson served as the culminating math exercise for the year and incorporated prototype drawings, consultations with the school’s golf team, and presentations on Grandparents and Special Friends Day.
![Grandparents and Special Friends Enjoy a Day in King’s Lower School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1684520491/kinglow/eapzoovarrj0krpa0l4q/GrandparentsandSpecialFriendsDay2023-08320.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1684520491/kinglow/eapzoovarrj0krpa0l4q/GrandparentsandSpecialFriendsDay2023-08320.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1684520491/kinglow/eapzoovarrj0krpa0l4q/GrandparentsandSpecialFriendsDay2023-08320.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1684520491/kinglow/eapzoovarrj0krpa0l4q/GrandparentsandSpecialFriendsDay2023-08320.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1684520491/kinglow/eapzoovarrj0krpa0l4q/GrandparentsandSpecialFriendsDay2023-08320.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1684520491/kinglow/eapzoovarrj0krpa0l4q/GrandparentsandSpecialFriendsDay2023-08320.jpg","width":1620}])
King’s Lower School buzzed with fun and festivities as students hosted the traditional Grandparents and Special Friends Day on Friday, May 12. The annual event drew more than 150 guests from across the globe and kicked off with a breakfast reception featuring Head of School Carol Maoz, Head of Lower School Dr. Sandy Lizaire-Duff, and student performances. The day allowed grandparents and special friends to immerse themselves in a day of classroom lessons and activities.
![The Geography of Fairy Tales]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1683860124/kinglow/pvlb5ztmsbigbpjmgvam/Grade3FairyTales05082023-07632.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1683860124/kinglow/pvlb5ztmsbigbpjmgvam/Grade3FairyTales05082023-07632.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1683860124/kinglow/pvlb5ztmsbigbpjmgvam/Grade3FairyTales05082023-07632.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1683860124/kinglow/pvlb5ztmsbigbpjmgvam/Grade3FairyTales05082023-07632.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1683860124/kinglow/pvlb5ztmsbigbpjmgvam/Grade3FairyTales05082023-07632.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1683860124/kinglow/pvlb5ztmsbigbpjmgvam/Grade3FairyTales05082023-07632.jpg","width":1620}])
King School’s Grade 3 writing classes have infused fairy tales into writing lessons for several years. This spring, teachers Ellen Eagleton and Samantha Clark gave the unit a multidisciplinary spin by incorporating traditional stories from Africa, China, Ireland, Mexico, and Persia. Students explored geography and discussed the tales’ themes, cultural similarities, and differences. Then they wrote fairy tales of their own.
![Platinum Circle Dinner Honors Long-Time King Employees]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1683314329/kinglow/sy4vp8bodbnybo3bt8ae/PlatinumCircleDinner05032023-1534.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1683314329/kinglow/sy4vp8bodbnybo3bt8ae/PlatinumCircleDinner05032023-1534.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1683314329/kinglow/sy4vp8bodbnybo3bt8ae/PlatinumCircleDinner05032023-1534.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1683314329/kinglow/sy4vp8bodbnybo3bt8ae/PlatinumCircleDinner05032023-1534.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1683314329/kinglow/sy4vp8bodbnybo3bt8ae/PlatinumCircleDinner05032023-1534.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1683314329/kinglow/sy4vp8bodbnybo3bt8ae/PlatinumCircleDinner05032023-1534.jpg","width":1620}])
A heartwarming testament to the commitment and dedication of King School faculty and staff, the inaugural Platinum Circle Dinner honored current and former employees who have given 20 or more years of service to the school.
![King Showcases its Global Community]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1683314787/kinglow/d3xcvq4lboujyb5gxxhd/GlobalFair04282023-03946.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1683314787/kinglow/d3xcvq4lboujyb5gxxhd/GlobalFair04282023-03946.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1683314787/kinglow/d3xcvq4lboujyb5gxxhd/GlobalFair04282023-03946.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1683314787/kinglow/d3xcvq4lboujyb5gxxhd/GlobalFair04282023-03946.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1683314787/kinglow/d3xcvq4lboujyb5gxxhd/GlobalFair04282023-03946.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1683314787/kinglow/d3xcvq4lboujyb5gxxhd/GlobalFair04282023-03946.jpg","width":1620}])
This year’s Global Fair, sponsored by the PA KInD Committee, was a beautiful showcase of King’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. After a three-year hiatus, the event returned to the lower school gym, where families transformed the space into a multicultural hub.
![Acting Out In Lower School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1682099122/kinglow/vx6qs5nd2sawig1uaanz/Grade1Performance-02006_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1682099122/kinglow/vx6qs5nd2sawig1uaanz/Grade1Performance-02006_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1682099122/kinglow/vx6qs5nd2sawig1uaanz/Grade1Performance-02006_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1682099122/kinglow/vx6qs5nd2sawig1uaanz/Grade1Performance-02006_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1682099122/kinglow/vx6qs5nd2sawig1uaanz/Grade1Performance-02006_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1682099122/kinglow/vx6qs5nd2sawig1uaanz/Grade1Performance-02006_1.jpg","width":1620}])
A traditional literature lesson was given a multidisciplinary twist this year in Grade 1. Teachers Julia Rachinsky-Wood and Zach Levine invited Performing Arts teacher Amy Darnton into their classrooms, giving students the opportunity to bring the lesson to life on the stage in the Performing Arts Center.
![Author John Rocco Visits the Lower School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1681486979/kinglow/nzkqbqk0ztlxjiph4uex/JohnRoccoVisitInLowerSchool-01661.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1681486979/kinglow/nzkqbqk0ztlxjiph4uex/JohnRoccoVisitInLowerSchool-01661.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1681486979/kinglow/nzkqbqk0ztlxjiph4uex/JohnRoccoVisitInLowerSchool-01661.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1681486979/kinglow/nzkqbqk0ztlxjiph4uex/JohnRoccoVisitInLowerSchool-01661.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1681486979/kinglow/nzkqbqk0ztlxjiph4uex/JohnRoccoVisitInLowerSchool-01661.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1681486979/kinglow/nzkqbqk0ztlxjiph4uex/JohnRoccoVisitInLowerSchool-01661.jpg","width":1620}])
Children’s book author and illustrator John Rocco visited King’s Lower School on Wednesday, April 12, to discuss his books, his inspiration, and his process. Each of Rocco’s books offered a range of discussion topics applicable to multiple grade levels. By the end of his visit, he had inspired students to see themselves as authors, illustrators, and researchers.
![Saving the Day in PreK]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680804689/kinglow/upotieroq2ywhbt9faw2/PreKSuperheros04062023-04919.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680804689/kinglow/upotieroq2ywhbt9faw2/PreKSuperheros04062023-04919.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680804689/kinglow/upotieroq2ywhbt9faw2/PreKSuperheros04062023-04919.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1680804689/kinglow/upotieroq2ywhbt9faw2/PreKSuperheros04062023-04919.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1680804689/kinglow/upotieroq2ywhbt9faw2/PreKSuperheros04062023-04919.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680804689/kinglow/upotieroq2ywhbt9faw2/PreKSuperheros04062023-04919.jpg","width":1620}])
Embracing students' passion for superheros, teachers Jen Agro and Jessica Vigliotti produced numerous experiences, which they call provocations, that yielded academic skills alongside social-emotional development in fun and engaging ways. Over the course of several weeks, students studied geometry to create a city for their alter-egos, used science to free heroes frozen in ice, collaborated on costumes, and more.