Lower Division
At Academy at the Lakes, we take our responsibility of “growing good children” seriously. Our program nurtures the children’s development by meeting their cognitive, creative, social, and physical needs in a safe and nurturing environment. Through a variety of curriculum experiences, we provide our students with many opportunities to acquire developmentally appropriate cognitive skills, to take risks, to work cooperatively, and to make choices that are essential to self-direction and creative problem solving.
Our students feel comfortable with learning while being challenged to become the best that they can be. We instill responsibility and respect in our students so they develop the confidence to approach new situations and challenges competently, learn self-reliance and independence, and understand the importance of being moral and ethical leaders.
There is no limit to how far children can go absorbing new ideas and new skills. In the Lower Division, our goal is to develop successful, self-confident, happy children through a program that supports their natural curiosity and love of learning. Education is not a race; it is a joyful journey through a life of learning.
- Grades 1-4 Curriculum
- provides a challenging academic program designed to meet each student’s needs
- emphasizes character education
- establishes habits for lifelong learning
- focuses on real world application of critical thinking and problem solving skills
- helps students develop an appreciation and tolerance for the cultural, ethnic, racial and religious diversity in today’s world
- engenders a love of literature and writing
- develops readers, writers, speakers, collaborators, and thinkers
In order to lead a good life one must translate those good thoughts into good actions. At the Lower Division, students are provided with regular opportunities for moral action, a chance to do the good, through service to others. Walk into the office on the Lower Division and you will see giraffes. They are the mascots of the Giraffe Club, aptly named because it is comprised of students who “stick their necks out” for others. All students are members of the Club. The Giraffe Club provides opportunities for students to grow together as a caring community. If actions speak louder than words, then the Giraffe Club is an excellent way for students to find their voice, to say who they are and who they want to become, as well as to experience the joys of giving to others. It is one of the many ways that students at Academy at the Lakes come to know the good, do the good, and love the good.
Day of Manners
Part of doing the good includes conducting one’s self in a gracious manner. On the Day of Manners, students wear their dress uniform and practice skills related to the virtue of the month. In September, for example, the month of respect and responsibility, practice includes introducing ourselves to one another, shaking hands appropriately, and saying please and thank you.
Day of Achievement
The Day of Achievement is a time of reflection on a year’s worth of growth and accomplishment. Parents are invited to view their children’s accomplishments, which encompass all aspects of their curriculum. The Day of Achievement is truly a rich tapestry of the school year and reflects a moment in time during each student’s journey.
