The Lower School Experience
The world is interdisciplinary. We think school should be, too. 
Organizing our lower school curriculum around a central theme
for each classroom allows students to draw rich connections within and between subject areas. Think graduate-level social science—complete with investigations, hypothesizing, writing, and story collecting—only with more field trips. Ranging from counting baby goats and predicting how much the garden will yield in the early years study of farm life to the in-depth studies about change makers and the activist movements they inspired in the later grades, our lower school students become creative, sophisticated thinkers.
Lower School at a Glance
G
Global Citizenship
- Spanish language instruction beginning in Pre-K
- Bilingual after-school program
- IB connections linking actions to local and global impact
- Service expectations starting in the Early Years
R
Relationships
- Emphasis on intercultural understanding and respect
- Connection to a global network of over 5,800 schools
- Teaching and learning that foster emotional intelligence
- Intergroup Dialogue promotes self-advocacy and cooperation
- Educational partnerships with Stony Kill Farm and Ramapo for Children
O
Opportunities
- On-campus partners: Star 2B Performing Arts, Edge Athletics, and Stringendo
- Curriculum connections with Vassar College and the Culinary Institute of America
- Transdisciplinary instruction fosters meaningful, purpose- driven learning
W
Wisdom
- Learning designed to build problem-solving skills
- Emphasis on critical thinking and analytical reasoning
- All teachers trained in Orton-Gillingham multisensory reading instruction
- Singapore Math fosters number sense and higher-order thinking
- Physical literacy focus: PE four times per week; outdoor recess twice daily
Connecting their own dots.
At Poughkeepsie Day School, we recognize that children are curious and strive to give them the time and space to pursue ideas and knowledge. Students discover how glass is blown, see what connects them to the people and places of their community, and come to understand the ecosystem of the Hudson River.
Our Approach |
Academics |
Art, Music & Drama |
Physical Education |