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.
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
Project-based learning in the Lower School integrates all disciplines.
Students formulate their own essential questions and use them to guide their exploration and learning. Inquiry drives every stage of learning as students cultivate skills from investigation, analysis, writing, geometry, and arithmetic to public speaking and presentations. Their questions drive every step of the process, and it is through this process that self-discovery and deeper learning emerge.
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.
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Lower School in Action
The Lower School Library Learning Commons was transformed into a buzzing “Connecticut Visitors Center,” culminating Grade 3’s study of Connecticut. After months of exploring the state’s history, geography, and famous landmarks through exciting lessons and field trips — including visits to the state capitol and the Mark Twain House — students showcased their knowledge through discussions, eye-catching brochures, and posters. After sharing fascinating facts, students challenged attendees with quizzes on their areas of interest.
Grade 2 students embarked on a deep exploration of identity as they investigated the driving question, “How do we share and celebrate our identity to create a classroom community where everyone belongs?” Over the course of six weeks, they engaged in interdisciplinary lessons that celebrated their individuality and cultivated an appreciation for the similarities and differences around them. The unit promoted academic growth and strengthened social-emotional skills, helping students build a stronger sense of community.
The Lower School Winter Concert at King's Performing Arts Center was a joyful celebration that showcased the talent and hard work of students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Each grade performed three pieces, delighting families, faculty, and staff with songs like "Snow Pants and Winter Giggles," "Light a Candle for Peace," and "Holiday Mash-Up."
King School's Grade 4 students recently experienced a powerful lesson in empathy and advocacy from alumnus Phillip Magalnick K’84 and his wife, Honorata Kazmierczak. Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, they learned about living with vision loss, the importance of inclusion, and how disabilities don't define a person. The visit dovetailed with the classes’ current unit exploring people’s varying abilities.
Lower School students celebrated Veterans Day with conversations honoring veterans with ties to our community. Through inspiring stories and life lessons, students gained a deeper appreciation for the service and sacrifices of veterans. The event, led by Art and Design teacher Alexa Orndahl, beautifully connected King's virtues to real-world role models.
This fall, lower and middle school students deepened their understanding of civic responsibilities through lessons on government and U.S. history, coinciding with the upcoming presidential election. Grade 1 learned about their rights and responsibilities, engaging with local leaders like Mayor Caroline Simmons. Grade 3 explored the executive branch and debated voting rights for children, while middle school students tackled current political issues, researching candidates and creating public service announcements. These activities emphasize the importance of informed citizenship and respectful dialogue, equipping students with critical thinking and communication skills vital for participation in a democratic society.
Lower school students cast their vote on Thursday, October 10, for this year’s Lower School Student Council representatives. The event culminated two weeks of campaigning featuring creative posters and rousing speeches as each candidate showcased their vision and dedication beyond their classroom. The elected representatives take on a year-long leadership role that impacts the entire Lower School community.
A recent visit to King’s newly renovated Simon House provided Grade 3 students with a tangible connection to their school's rich history and the various roles that contribute to its community. During the trip, students engaged in a lively scavenger hunt across the three-story building and met with former Head of School Sue Cesare and former teacher Cathy Mishkin, who shared important artifacts and stories from King’s past. The experience helped students understand the complexities of their community as they prepared to conduct interviews with members of the King community for their next lesson.
A crew of curious PreK students, decked out in hard hats and safety vests, took a big step into the world of construction at King School's Lower School renovation site. The little builders asked big questions, from "Why is there a fence?" to the all-important, "Will there be a new playground?" With construction superintendent Chris Chila on hand to answer, the students were thrilled to explore the space and hear plans for the new Early Childhood Center.