Grades 1-5
Lower School
Active learning has distinct energy in DCD’s Lower School
You can hear it in the sounds of children working on group projects, participating in class discussions, conducting experiments, and speaking during assemblies. Faculty teams in each grade plan and teach the curriculum cooperatively, joining their academic expertise and knowledge of children’s developmental needs to foster the strengths of each child. Our understanding and respect for the many different ways by which children learn enable us to design an engaging and robust curriculum that flexes for our students’ different learning styles.



Lower School Highlights
Our Approach by Grade
Grade One
Grade 1 Curriculum GuideFirst grade is a wonderful year of growth, both inside and outside the classroom. Students are a part of a strong classroom community, and they learn to develop a respect for individuality, as well as a love of learning and exploration. The social curriculum is as important as academics, and how children learn is equally as important as what they learn. In this way, first graders encounter many opportunities to share their thinking with others, reflect on their successes and areas of growth, and interact with their peers in productive ways.
Grade Two
Grade 2 Curriculum GuideSecond graders exhibit growing confidence and competence with their academic and social skills. During this year, the students take part in more challenging and creative experiences while working independently and cooperatively with their classmates. The second-grade curriculum emphasizes reading, oral and written language development, and mathematics. Students spend the year developing organizational skills and good work habits, as well as managing responsibility and their growing independence. By sharing and caring about one another, second graders learn the importance of being a part of the DCD community and the world beyond.
Grade Three
Grade 3 Curriculum GuideThird Grade is all about independence! Our students learn how to do so much on their own this year! To emphasize this topic, even more, we spend the year focusing on American history starting from early immigration to the US, the establishment of the thirteen colonies, colonial times, slavery and the underground railroad, the revolutionary war, and end with the westward expansion. During all these time periods, people were yearning to be independent and free. Students engage in cross-curricular activities from reading books to exploring new vocabulary words, creating art projects, performing a class play, and partaking in a variety of hands-on activities. Themes of kindness, respect, and "trust in the process" run throughout our year together.
Students are assigned a country for their summer research project and upon returning to school, they share what they have learned about their countries. This launches their immigration unit in social studies which culminates with the World’s Fair. Gathered together with families and teachers, third graders share cultural traditions they would have brought with them if they were immigrating to the US. With customary food, clothing, stories, and songs, it’s quite an engaging experience with some great practice in public speaking!
Grade Four
Grade 4 Curriculum GuideIn fourth grade, teachers encourage self-confidence, a love of learning, a sense of responsibility, and pride in accomplishment. Students are encouraged to become more articulate about their needs as learners, asking questions and seeking out assistance when needed. We emphasize problem solving, responsibility, collaboration, and community engagement. Through inquiry, exploration, discussion, and project work, students develop empathy by learning about themselves and others. Students explore human rights through the topics of LGBTQ+ history, the Black Lives Matter Movement, people with disabilities, and refugees. Through these units, they start developing an understanding of how to engage in the diverse world around them.
Grade Five
Grade 5 Curriculum GuideFifth grade is the top rung of the lower school ladder and the precursor to the DCD middle school experience. In preparation for this transition, the fifth-grade year focuses on students’ developing more autonomy and responsibility while still being supported by the familiar routines and practices of the lower-school community. Fifth graders strive to think more critically and independently. At the same time, they continue to refine their skills with cooperative learning, conflict resolution, and personal organization. As leaders of the lower school division, fifth-graders act as role models for younger students. This is a year for enhanced academic, social, and personal maturation, which will serve as a solid foundation for moving on to middle school.
What the DCD Community is Saying
View All TestimonialsMeet the Lower School Team


Joanna Bemis
Grade 5 Teacher

Stephanie Chiari
Grade 5 Teacher

Meaghan Daniels
Grade 1 Teacher

Laura Foody
Lower School Learning Specialist

Carla Haith
Head of Lower School

Christine Holden
Library and Academic Technology Integration Specialist

Colleen Hultgren
Grade 3 Teacher

Kelly Kennedy
Grade 4 Teacher

Pamela Senese
Grade 2 Teacher

Sue Sherman
Lower School Reading Specialist

Susan Shirley
Grades 3-5 Science Teacher

Alyssa Sinclair
Grade 2 Teacher

Sarah Walsh
Lower and Middle School Science Teacher

Jennifer Williams
Lower School Reading Specialist

Kitt Wilson
Grade 1 Teacher

Daniel Miller
Grade 4 Teacher

Laurie Mills
Grade 3 Teacher