Lower School

Grades pre-Kindergarten - Five

Channeling Curiosity.

Young children are intrinsically motivated to learn. They look at the world around them with wonder and a desire to understand all they experience. Our goal is for Lower School boys to head off to Middle School with their internal drive to learn intact.The Gilman Lower School curriculum helps boys develop the foundational knowledge, learning skills, and personality traits to prepare them for success in school and beyond. We nurture the innate curiosity, wonder, and desire to learn in each boy.

Our curriculum recognizes the unique needs of young boys and channels their natural energy, curiosity, and exuberance into learning activities at every age. The kindergarten program bridges the pre-school and primary school years, engaging boys in an enriching and age-appropriate academic program that meets their specific developmental and educational needs, and the prep-one class offers a singular transition for those boys not quite ready for the rigors of an academically oriented first grade. The overall Lower School program is challenging, yet warm, friendly, and supportive.

Lower School Stories

Putting Things into Perspective

Fifth graders presented their historical perspectives research report to their parents on Monday, May 23 during the Historical Perspectives Gallery Walk. The project allowed the boys to make connections to power and privilege as well as to issues in today’s society.

Second Grade Cultural Day of Discovery

Second grade students studied different cultures for their Cultural Discovery unit that encompassed themes of identity, ancestry, America’s indigenous people, explorers, slavery, immigration, and U.S. symbols.

First page of the PDF file: APIDA2022Poster

Join Gilman Libraries in Celebrating APIDA Heritage Month (opens in new window/tab)

Check out the recommended reading list from the Gilman Libraries as we celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month.

When Third Graders Explore, They Find Teamwork, Creativity, and Flexibility

Rain, literally and figuratively, put a damper on the Day of Discovery, but the determined group did not let a little bad weather stop them from exploring.

Second Graders Measure Up

Second grade's Measurement Olympics had the boys counting, estimating, taking time, measuring liquid by volume, assessing distance, and calculating weight, all while having fun!

Prep-One Play: The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

The kapok tree was the centerpiece on the stage adorned with elaborate scenery creating a rainforest of paper chains, string lights, flowers, and birds. “The Great Kapok Tree” emphasized a message of rainforest conservation and a respect for nature.