Lower School

Grades K–5
School Day: 8 AM–2:45 PM

The Lower School, comprising grades K–5, provides an enriched college preparatory curriculum within a structured framework. Students meet daily challenges of mind, body, and spirit through critical-thinking and problem-solving activities, development of physical fitness, and realization of spiritual awareness.

Students meet daily challenges of mind, body, and spirit through critical-thinking and problem-solving activities, development of physical fitness, and realization of spiritual awareness.

Students in grades K, 1, and 2 are self-contained, while students beyond grade 2 are departmentalized. There are three sections in each grade level. Grades K and 1 have 2 teachers in each class. Lower School teachers are energetic, dedicated, highly experienced, and innovative. The faculty and staff, most of who hold advanced degrees, includes a clinically trained counseling program and a full time learning specialist. The principal oversees the day-to-day operation of the Lower School and its programs.

Curriculum

The Lower School fosters a challenging academic environment that honors excellence in teaching and learning. We strive to nurture and protect the student’s curiosity, talents, integrity, and humanity. Reading/English, mathematics, science, social studies, and foreign language comprise the core curriculum, with enrichment being provided by classes in computer, physical education, art, music, and library. Reading is taught through phonics, while mathematics and science utilize a hands-on approach. Spanish instruction begins in kindergarten. Curriculum-centered field trips accentuate the learning process at all grade levels. Fifth graders enjoy an extended overnight science-centered field trip each year.

Counseling

The goal of the Guidance Counseling Department is to support the Porter-Gaud mission in developing the health and well-being of each student through private counseling, student educational programs, peer counseling programs, and parent and faculty workshops. Porter-Gaud employs a full time counselor in each of the school’s divisions.

The Guidance Counseling Department offers individual, group, and family counseling, as well as crisis management to support students, families, and the Porter-Gaud community. Referrals for counseling are made in a variety of ways. Many times, students will make appointments for themselves to see a counselor, but parents, teachers, administrators, and friends can also make referrals to Guidance. Counselors may also refer students or families to trusted outside professionals for more extensive support.

The department also directs educational programs throughout the three divisions. In the Lower School, the counselor meets with classes in all grades to discuss friendships, self-awareness, forgiveness, conflict resolution, and other aspects of developing character.

Religious Life

Porter-Gaud has an historical relationship with the Episcopal Church and offers a religious program, required of all students, based on the Judeo-Christian heritage. This program is led by the School Chaplain, an Episcopal priest. Lower School students and faculty attend chapel services weekly where students participate as acolytes and readers.

Extended Day

The primary purpose of the Extended Day program is to assist working parents by providing after-school supervision for kindergarten through fifth graders in a secure, happy, and relaxed setting. The program begins immediately after students are dismissed from school and runs until 5:45 each full school day. Extended Day begins in the school’s dining hall with a substantial snack followed by a brief reading/study time. Other daily activities include outside free play, games and crafts, or selected television or video cassette viewing. Extended Day is offered on a regular basis or as a drop-in service.

After School Program

The After School Program is designed to provide a safe, fun, educational, and enriching experience for students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade. Classes start immediately after the school day and all classes meet on campus. Faculty and instructors from the community conduct all classes. A variety of extra-curricular activities are available to students, including jr. cheerleading, tennis, Girls on the Run, puppetry, karate, etc. Appropriate fees are charged for all classes.

Extracurricular Activities

Girls Choir and Boys Choir are favorite extracurricular activities for students in grades 4 and 5. Girls Choir and Boys Choir practice separately two times per week for performances presented throughout the school year both on the Porter-Gaud campus and in the Charleston community. The Founders Day Concert in October and the annual Spring Choral Concert in May combine the Lower School Choirs with the Middle and Upper School Choirs in toe-tapping productions enjoyed by students, faculty, parents, and grandparents. In addition, the Lower School Choirs present a joint musical for the Lower School students each year in the spring.

Intramural Sports

Intramural sports, a part of our after school program, are available to all fourth and fifth grade students. The program, offered in the fall and again in the spring, meets two days per week immediately after school for approximately one hour. Students who sign up for the program are divided into teams that will rotate through four sports, with each team playing every other team. Examples of sports that may be played include volleyball, flag football, basketball, soccer, and several others. The primary purpose of the program is to offer students the opportunity to participate in recreational activities with their friends in a format that stresses sportsmanship over outcome. A certified athletic trainer is available should an injury occur.

Student Progress

The Lower School follows a semester academic calendar in all grades, with report cards being issued at the end of each semester. In addition, a mid-term marking conference is held with the teacher and parents. At the conference, report cards are given, showing the approximate grade to date. Both mid-marking reports and report cards show for each course a letter grade that has a numerical equivalent. Comments from the teacher pertinent to the student’s progress are a part of each report. Special parent-teacher conference days are scheduled in the fall and spring for parents to meet briefly with their child’s homeroom teacher. A conference may be scheduled with a teacher at any time during the year, if needed, by contacting the teacher in advance to arrange a convenient time to meet.