Curriculum

Individual attention, high standards, and innovative classes

Reading and writing go hand in hand for Saint George’s Lower School students. We encourage them to become passionate readers and writers. Each spring we hold a Writers’ Celebration for children to share their literary successes with parents and family. During math your child will often work together to solve complex problems and build math skills, while science lessons – from butterfly gardens to building bridges – are fascinating and real. Historical events and different cultures come alive in classroom simulations, and weekly Spanish classes begin in Kindergarten. Fitness, health and fun are the watch words for PE, whether on the trails above campus or in our state-of-the-art athletic center. 

Behind the scenes, it also takes parents and teachers working together to help your child succeed. We emphasize strong communication with weekly teacher newsletters, constant email access, regular parent conferences and detailed report cards.  

Through individual attention, high standards, and an innovative curriculum, the Lower School gives your child an education that is unrivaled in excellence. From Kindergarten through 5th grade, your child will experience an inspiring and thrilling journey through their childhood.

Read more about each grade's distinctive curriculum and traditions... 

-> Kindergarten

Kindergarten at SGS is an all-day program that provides many experiences to help your child grow socially, emotionally, physically, creatively, and intellectually.  Individual, small and whole group instruction fosters the developmental skills for each child in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.  Play is valued for it strengthens problem-solving skills and builds friendships.  Kindergarten highlights include: “Doing Words” (writing/reading program), exploring trees and leaves on campus, learning about Pilgrims and preparing a Thanksgiving feast, creating families in a neighborhood and conducting Town Meetings, celebrating the Festival of Lights, and studying the life cycle of the butterfly. 

-> 1st Grade

First grade is a time to delve deeper into the content areas of math, reading, writing, science and social studies.  Your child will be are expected to move from the concrete level in learning math to the pictorial and into the symbolic level of understanding.  Fluency in reading is strengthened and comprehension skills are developed.  Publication of stories and books showcase the writing process.  First-grade highlights include:  classification of animals, study of the human body, community service projects, “March of the Penguins,” and performing the musical “Rumpus in the Rainforest” after studying the rainforest.

-> 2nd Grade

Your child will have the confidence to integrate the skills of reading, writing, and speaking in their class presentations.  Your child will have the ability to learn information rather than to learn how to read.  Responsibility and independence are vital while working on multiple-step projects.  Second-grade highlights include:  dissecting owl pellets, exploring the 50 states, book club celebrations, being an American hero in the class wax museum, studying Native Americans, and service learning projects.

-> 3rd Grade

Your child will transition into the “intermediate grades” by taking more ownership for their learning.  Keyboarding and cursive writing are formally introduced and developed throughout the year.  The writing process is an integrated component of the curriculum.  Children work cooperatively and individually on projects and experiments to explore the scientific process.  Third-grade highlights include:  Creating a Business, Water Study, Spokane History and a hike to the Spokane House Museum, creating a Spokane Newspaper, Family Heritage, and mapping the world.

-> 4th Grade

Fourth grade’s comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum fosters critical thinking, inquiry, connecting learning to the world, and reflecting on the learning experience.  Fourth-grade highlights include:  Little Spokane River Environmental/Water Studies, Macroinvertebrates, Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery, 4th-5th Grade Montana Adventure, WSU Animal Museum, and Math is Cool.

-> 5th Grade

Fifth grade abounds with leadership opportunities.  Capstone projects are a central part of the fifth-grade curriculum and include the Living Artists Exhibit, where each child is transformed into an impressionist artist, and the fifth-grade musical stage production.  Other highlights include:  canoe trips down the Little Spokane River, Ellis Island simulation, Bridge Building, Governments of the World, Stock Market, 4th-5th Grade Montana Adventure, and ski trips.  The fifth graders eagerly anticipate moving on to the Middle School.  

-> SPECIALIZED Teachers

Your child will definitely benefit from specialized teachers in Art, Music, Spanish, Library and PE.  Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum.  Friday Assemblies provide performance opportunities for all K-5 students.