Lower School

Educational Philosophy

A Welcoming Community

At The Adelson School, every student is known. From the moment they step into our hallways, students are greeted by name and feel a genuine sense of belonging. This culture of recognition and care carries into the classroom, where teachers provide daily differentiated instruction through a thoughtful combination of whole group, small group, and one-on-one lessons. Every student receives the guidance and support they need to reach their full potential.

Our curriculum reflects the principles of a classical education in a robust Jewish environment, encouraging students to think critically, engage with rich texts, and explore enduring ideas. Our teachers uphold high standards of academic excellence, ensuring that each child is supported to achieve rigorous goals while cultivating confidence and resilience.

Education at The Adelson School goes beyond academics. As students build their knowledge in reading, math, science, and the arts, they also develop core values that guide them throughout life. They learn to show respect for others, appreciate diversity, commit to excellence, and foster meaningful connections within their community. At the same time, they develop a deep appreciation and understanding of Judaism, which helps shape their identity and sense of purpose.

By combining a classical education focused on high standards of excellence with a culture of Jewish community and identity, The Adelson School prepares students to thrive academically, socially, and ethically, equipping them with the skills, character, and values to succeed in school and in life.

THE Adelson SCHOOL Distinctives

Experiential Learning That Builds a Solid Academic Foundation

At The Adelson School, attitudes about learning are shaped early, which is why the Lower School emphasizes hands-on, enriching experiences. Students learn by doing, developing lifelong skills such as creativity, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Core subjects include:

• Reading and Language Arts (including writing, grammar, and phonics)
• Mathematics
• STEM (science, technology, engineering, and Math)
• Jewish Studies
• Visual & Performing Arts (art, music, drama)
• Physical Education (PE)

Through these active, experiential lessons, students build strong academic foundations while developing the confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their educational journey.

Cultivating Skills for Lifelong Learning

The Adelson School students learn how to learn. Hands-on projects, discussion-based learning, inquiry, and real-world application help Lower School students feel a sense of ownership in their learning and develop skills they’ll use for a lifetime, such as:

• Independence: taking initiative and moving forward unprompted
• Self-advocacy: recognizing when they need help and asking for it
• Executive functioning: caring for themselves, managing their time, and staying organized
• Positive reinforcement: encouraging others and themselves
• Teamwork: collaborating with others to complete a task together
• Problem-solving: identifying a problem and developing and evaluating creative solutions

Enrichment Opportunities

Lower school students are eager to learn new skills and pursue their unique interests. We provide after-school enrichment opportunities that allow children to explore a variety of hobbies, sports, and artistic pursuits from a young age. A few favorites include:

• Swim lessons and swim team Tennis classes
• Chess
• Cross country running
• Art
• Drama (acting and technical production)
• Spanish
• Cirque-style acrobatics
• Dance
• Coding
• Robotics
• Volleyball