Private Lower School in NYC

LOWER SCHOOL: INTERNATIONAL PRIMARY CURRICULUM

At our inclusive Lower School, children in Years 1-4 students (the equivalent of Kindergarten through 3rd grade in the US system) follow the globally recognized International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The IPC is an all-encompassing program, where students thrive through daily challenges and cross-curricular activities that span an array of engaging topics, themes, and areas of knowledge.

OUR INTERNATIONAL PRIMARY CURRICULUM

At our Lower School and private kindergarten in New York City, we take a holistic approach to learning. Our Years 1-4 students enjoy a balanced yet diverse curriculum that covers a breadth of topics, themes, and knowledge. We deliver this balanced ‘educational diet’ through the thematic International Primary Curriculum, which includes English, phonics, and math lessons every day.

In small class sizes and large classroom spaces, our Lower School students make remarkable progress in their core academics, the creative arts, and physical exercise. Specialist lessons – including Spanish, art, music, PE, and drama – are embedded into each child’s timetable, too.

THEMED BLOCKS AND UNITS OF INQUIRY

Following the International Primary Curriculum at our Lower School, our students develop their knowledge in geography, history, and social studies through engaging ‘blocks’ or units of learning. They also build on their foundational English, phonics, and math skills through daily lessons that provide opportunities to apply their learning in new contexts.

We teach science in blocks, too, encouraging our children to investigate, experiment, and make new discoveries. Our students acquire knowledge about a subject as they practice observation, questioning, interpretation, and communication.

Across the curriculum, practical activities and discussions encourage our students to share what they’ve learnt.

SUPPORTING THE TRANSITION TO UPPER SCHOOL

We understand that both moving into Lower School and progressing on to Upper School are significant periods in a child’s life. This is why we offer the best possible academic and personal support to ensure a smooth transition.

As our students move through Lower School, for example, their approach to learning changes. In Year 1 at our NYC kindergarten, for instance, they continue to learn through play-based experiences, similar to those offered in preschool. However, as they move into Year 4, students are expected to take greater control over their learning, assume more responsibility, and demonstrate their knowledge in different ways.

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LOWER SCHOOL

A TYPICAL NAISNY DAY

Our students' days are filled with exploration and discovery, as they learn new information, build their subject knowledge, and share ideas in exciting ways.

A WELCOMING START

As we enter our classroom, we’ll greet our teachers and peers before learning more about what we’ll get up to today. We’ll do some warm-ups, so we ease into a stimulating day of learning ahead.

READY FOR THE DAY

BLOCK BY BLOCK

We’ll expand our math and English skills through different themes that interest us, moving from one block of learning to the next. We’ll collaborate with our peers and connect ideas across science, geography, history, and social studies, too.

CONNECTING IDEAS

LUNCHTIME PLAY

We’ll refuel with friends over a healthy lunch from NAISNY’s in-house chefs, and then head outside in front of the school during Open Streets for fresh air, fun, and games, or enjoy quiet time indoors to rest and reset before the afternoon.

REFUELING FOR SUCCESS

SPECIALIST LESSONS

We advance our skills and discover our talents during specialist lessons from highly qualified teachers across dance, drama, music, Physical Education (PE), the creative arts, and Spanish. We become confident in expressing ourselves in different words, movements, and sounds.

CREATIVE EXPRESSION

GROUP REFLECTIONS

Everyone has a voice in our classroom. We’ll summarize, reflect on, and discuss what we’ve learned throughout the day by sharing among a group of peers to reinforce what we’ve discovered and to benefit from others’ discoveries, too.

PRESENTING AND DISCUSSING

GROWING OUR INTERESTS

Afterschool, we’ll jump into our favorite Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) as we follow what fascinates us. Whether it’s acting in a play during Drama Club or creating a colorful webpage in Coding Club, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.

GETTING INVOLVED

INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION

Our exceptional Lower School and international kindergarten educators understand that no two children learn in the same way, develop at the same rate, or have the same needs. Experts in differentiated instruction – and highly skilled at tailoring lessons to individual preferences – our high-quality teachers will ensure your child thrives.

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