LOWER SCHOOL AT SAMBORONDÓN

A Values-Based Education

We understand the important role that values play in the development of each child, which is why we include the six pillars of our Character Counts program in practical activities, and demonstrations. Our pillars are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

English and Spanish

Our goal is that all students will reach a high level of proficiency in English and Spanish, so that they can communicate efficiently and do academic work in both languages.

Therefore, our Lower School language program emphasizes reading fluency across a variety of written material, as well as effective and creative communication in oral and written formats in both languages. During read-aloud sessions, guided reading, and reading discussion groups, our students expand their vocabulary and analytical skills while developing a passion for reading. Our Writers’ Workshops also help our students practice and develop their written academic through a variety of topics.

Mathematics

Our Lower School mathematics program helps students develop a foundation in important areas like number sense, geometry, spatial understanding, recognizing patterns, data collection, and analysis.

Whether learning independently or collaboratively, our students work on new concepts while applying skills and gaining a strong understanding of problem-solving. Certain basic concepts and abilities in computation are also necessary for our students to be successful in math, so our students also practice calculating automatically and applying formulas.

Science

Our Lower School science program recognizes that in our ever-changing world, scientific literacy is a necessity for all. In the classroom, our students use discovery centers and research activities to construct and expand prior knowledge through meaningful experiences. We teach science in ways that encourage the creation of respectful, inquisitive, and humble students instead of passive learners who acquire isolated skills.

Music

Our Lower School music program provides students with a solid foundation in music theory and allows our students to enjoy music through exploration and interpretation. Our students learn that music is related to several key concepts: harmony, melody, rhythm, form, tempo, and tone. Once our students reach the 4th Grade, they will choose a specific instrument. We ensure they learn discipline, perseverance, and respect while enjoying new and creative experiences.

Art

Our Lower School art program is based on the belief that the creative process is more important than the final product. Our students are prepared to make the most of their own creative thought process through healthy exercises of imagination, experimentation, and constructive criticism. Through a true “studio art” experience, our students learn a variety of medium and techniques to create original works.

Physical Education

Our students primarily develop their coordination skills through continuous play in Lower School. Our students build upon their skills through a variety of activities. In addition to physical activity, they also learn about the positive aspects of leading a healthy lifestyle.

Technology Integration

In Lower School, our students use a variety of digital tools as part of their learning process in all classes. Whether using online sources to build skills, completing electronic assignments on Seesaw and Schoology or making creative projects on an iPad, our students can use a variety of multi-platform options for showcasing their learning, while building a strong sense of digital citizenship.

Counseling

Our counseling program helps our students, parents, and teachers develop positive learning experiences and social skills. Our program has a variety of services and activities, such as group counseling sessions, individual and family counseling, workshops for parents and students and referrals to external professionals when needed.

Learning Support

All children develop in different ways, at varied speeds. The experts of our Learning Support program help our students who encounter any difficulties by working through a specialized learning program based on their academic competencies. The program is coordinated with our teachers so they can tailor to the student's needs. This individualized support includes meetings with external experts on strategies and learning differentiation, among other things.

Extracurricular Activities

Our extracurricular program is offered to students from grades 2nd to 12th and it includes a variety of activities. We have many sports programs like soccer, basketball, volleyball, dance, and martial arts. We also have many non-sports activities that change each year according to students’ preferences: art, ceramics, Science Club, robotics, Model of United Nations, and Green Movement, among others. Students from 1st Grade can attend our after-school sports camp, Little Pumas Academy, from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm.