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

Juicy Genre Café Expands Reading Palates

Second graders patronized the latest hot spot on Roland Avenue on Friday, September 30. “Mr. LJ Shapiro’s group, party of 10,” the second grade teacher announced before Lower School librarian-turned-hostess Melissa Da seated them at the table filled with a platter of mystery books.

Reader of the Pack

Many students take advantage of downtime over the summer to catch up on books, but one rising first grader went above and beyond the task of assigned summer reading. Instead of just perusing the library shelves over summer break, Cole F. built a little library for his neighborhood! Read the letter he sent to Lower School librarian Melissa Da.

2022 Memorial Day Convocation

Gilman's 2022 Memorial Day Convocation was a chance for the community to reflect upon and honor those who, by serving the greater good, have helped to shape our country and our School.

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.