 | Every journey starts with a single step. The Lower School, grades Junior Kindergarten through Four, is the first step in the MICDS experience. Here’s what makes our Lower School, also known as the Ronald S. Beasley School, a great beginning.
This is work that matters. And it is work that we in the Beasley School are proud to do.
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Academic Excellence
Academic excellence is not simply a destination we reach but a journey we undertake every day of our lives. It lives and breathes in our mission, in the personally meaningful work of our students, in the rigorous challenges and remarkable support of our program, in the connections our students forge between what they learn and how they live, and in our shared commitment as a community to the growth of each individual student. As teachers of young children, we strive to cultivate an environment in which our students excel. Our research-based and innovative curriculum and methodology are supported by state-of-the-art technology and are designed to ignite the interests and challenge the abilities of each of our young students.
Extraordinary Teachers
As lifelong learners themselves, our teachers are committed to designing and implementing dynamic curricula, while recognizing and nurturing the unique qualities and needs of each student. They teach within the framework of the Lower School, as well as part of a JK-12 curriculum. Our teachers are authors, artists, scientists and research experts who have chosen to work with children.
Small School, Big Ideas
There are two classrooms per grade and each grade has one or more associate teachers in addition to the lead teachers. Class sizes are small (12-18 children per section) and the student/teacher ratio is just 7 to 1. That means lots of personal attention.
Everybody Is Connected
We connect and interweave skills and content through thematic studies within and across grade levels. We know that such interconnectivity helps deepen conceptual understanding and hones a wide range of skills. The connections and continuity of our JK-12 program foster the spirit of community, high academic standards and diversity. Lower School students find frequent opportunities to share experiences with the “big kids” and their teachers. Students are confident and prepared to embrace the rigors of our Middle and Upper School programs. Our students grow up to be National Merit Scholars, AP Scholars and leaders in student government, visual and performing arts, athletics and community service.
Unparalleled Facilities
The Lower School’s outstanding facilities include a library, science lab and experimental garden, spacious and well-equipped classrooms, a computer lab, art, music and drama studios, cafeteria, playground, a full-sized gymnasium, dance studio and use of the McDonnell Athletic Center.
Homework
Homework allows our students to practice and master the skills taught in class. As your child grows, homework will nurture growth in many areas, including responsibility, autonomy, perseverance, time management and initiative. Students in the Lower School are expected to read daily (alone or with a parent) for 20-30 minutes, and beginning in Grade 1, may have an additional 20-60 minutes of homework.
Communication
We pay close attention to every child. Communicating and documenting academic growth is crucial in the support of student learning. Friday folders bring home daily work and letters from the Head of Lower School, teachers and counselors. Each year, parents receive three in-depth reports and participate in two parent/teacher conferences. Email and our MICDS Web Portal connect School, parent and student in many ways.
Our Philosophy
The Lower School curriculum capitalizes on the fundamental and profound role of students’ active participation in their learning – on their natural curiosity, their passion for discovery and their innate drive to create. We recognize that each child is a unique learner, and we use current learning theories to develop appropriate ways to meet the needs of every child. We work each day to create an atmosphere of respectful learning, a sense of belonging, a climate of trust and a joyful merging of the social, emotional and intellectual development. We help children feel safe, loved and respected, because we believe that encourages them to risk the challenges and opportunities that are at the heart of learning.
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