Academics
Lower School
Welcome to the Lower School!
At the Lower School, we focus on educating the entire child in a way that both supports and challenges them and that is appropriate for each student. We believe it is just as important to build positive attitudes toward school and learning, as it is to have strong academics. We are blessed to do this in a strong community where each member is valued and God is honored.
Classrooms
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Small Class Sizes
How children learn is as important as what they learn. Our smaller class size enables our teachers to know our students and to know how they learn. Our teachers care about our students and provide many opportunities for them to be stretched in their learning. We work diligently to differentiate the curriculum to meet the needs of our students, ensuring they feel safe and valued at our school. -
Reading and Writing
Read MoreAt The Master’s School, reading and writing instruction is highly effective. Highly effective reading instruction concurrently incorporates instruction in two interrelated sets of skills: foundational reading skills and reading comprehension skills. Foundational reading skills include phonemic awareness, phonemic decoding skills, morphological skills, fluency in word recognition and text processing, oral language vocabulary and skills, and spelling and writing skills. -
Language Arts
In addition to reading and writing, we have other components of our language arts program. In grades K – 3 students engage in a multisensory approach to phonics-based learning. Teachers also use mentor sentences to discuss and teach grammar. In Kindergarten, students use Handwriting without Tears to learn in a clear and interactive manner how to form their letters and numbers. Then in grade 2 and 3, students begin to learn to write in cursive and continue to practice that through the higher grades. -
Math and Science Program
Read MoreOur school was one of the first schools in Connecticut to use the Math in Focus curriculum, which is a Singapore based math curriculum. This curriculum is supplemented with a wide range of manipulatives, including Digi blocks, and a comprehensive set of story problems and opportunities for students to engage in mental mathematics.Our science curriculum guides students through various real-world scenarios that require students to engage in the scientific process to help determine solutions and to find answers to burning questions. -
Long-Term Projects
In each grade, students engage in at least one long-term project. This involves the student selecting a topic they want to research and present within a given area. These typically last for two or more weeks and engage students in developing their executive functioning as they learn to manage their time, organize materials, and carry work between school and home. At the end, students present both to their peers in class, and also to the larger school community, including parents and other adults. -
Foreign Language
Students in the Lower School learn Spanish from a dedicated language teacher whom they meet with twice each week. Lessons are designed to be engaging and interactive, incorporating fun activities, games, and hands-on exploration. Students also develop an appreciation for Spanish-speaking cultures through art, music, and other enriching cultural experiences.
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Whole Child
We believe in and practice an elementary education of the whole child: academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically.
At The Master's School, we are blessed to be able to educate the whole child. Our approach to learning allows us to develop each child in a way that encourages their individual uniqueness to shine through as they work to grow and reach their own goals in a variety of disciplines. To ensure that this occurs, our students attend a variety of specials every week including Physical Education, Visual Arts, and Performing Arts. We also ensure that students have plenty of time each day for lunch and recess, allowing them the opportunity for many different social interactions.
At The Master's School, we are blessed to be able to educate the whole child. Our approach to learning allows us to develop each child in a way that encourages their individual uniqueness to shine through as they work to grow and reach their own goals in a variety of disciplines. To ensure that this occurs, our students attend a variety of specials every week including Physical Education, Visual Arts, and Performing Arts. We also ensure that students have plenty of time each day for lunch and recess, allowing them the opportunity for many different social interactions.
Physical Education
Lower School Physical Education classes combine traditional focuses like overall fitness, skill development, sports/games exposure, healthy habits, and stretching with a cutting-edge approach that includes leadership development, social skills and behavioral goals, and a focus on encouraging a lifetime of fitness. Students are challenged to develop a greater understanding of their own interests and accompanying healthy activities that they will carry with them in the future.
Performing Arts
Lower School students grow in musical skill, confidence, and a love for worship through our choral music program. Grace Notes (K–2) and Leading Tones (Grades 3–5) help students develop foundational music skills through singing, movement, listening, and performance. Through school concerts, chapel services, and special events, students experience the joy of making music together while learning teamwork, responsibility, and the value of using their gifts to glorify God and serve others.
Visual Arts
The Lower School art room is located in a spacious studio equipped for a variety of art disciplines including drawing, painting, printmaking and pottery. Nature themes are often a focus of artwork inspired by the beauty of our unique surroundings. As students enjoy creative experiences, they recognize the special contributions each can make in the learning process. In art class we think deeply, have meaningful discussions and work toward wonderful creative design solutions. Children become equipped with concepts, vocabulary, techniques, skills, understandings in art history, and exposure to a variety of art forms. While delighting in stimulating art experiences offered in a safe, nurturing environment, they are developing confidence and ability to observe, critique, take risks and persevere. Our focus on design provides many opportunities to consider the work of The Creator, and recognize His unique design and plan for each life. We celebrate our learning in an annual all-school Spring Art Show.
The Master's School
The Master’s School is an independent, college-preparatory, non-denominational Christian day school enrolling children in preschool through post-graduate in West Simsbury, CT.
The Master's School is fully accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
The Master's School opens its doors to all qualified students regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or religious affiliation. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national affiliation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, and other school-administered programs.
The Master's School is fully accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
The Master's School opens its doors to all qualified students regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or religious affiliation. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national affiliation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, and other school-administered programs.
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