Young children learn a great deal by observing and participating in the world around them. We encourage this by getting students involved in activities both inside and outside the classroom. Parents and visitors walking into a classroom at this level will generally find a beehive of activity.

Field trips are scheduled regularly (3 or 4 each month) and are a key element of the Lower School experience. Students might visit a fish hatchery, see a puppet show, explore botanical gardens, tour a post office or attend a musical concert. Focus is always on exploring the world around them.

"Research" is a concept that helps children observe activities or phenomenon in the environment, thereby learning first-hand about the things around them. They may explore things in nature, determine how things work, or even learn by interviewing others. Students in the Lower School engage in a variety of research projects as part of their regular curriculum.