The Lower School at Staten Island Academy consists of the Early Childhood Programs (Pre-K and Kindergarten) and Grades 1-4. 

Our Programs

Early Childhood  

The Preschool and Kindergarten years are a time of joyful wonder and discovery for our youngest students. Children begin to make meaningful connections about the world around them through hands-on learning and exploration. They build their independence and self-confidence by caring for themselves, their peers and the classroom community.  

We are thrilled to share with you exciting changes for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. We are introducing a combined mixed-age class for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds. Staying true to our school mission, we will nurture our young students and meet them where they are developmentally.  A multi-age classroom provides students with opportunities for building independence, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Older students become teachers to their younger peers, developing leadership skills along with a deeper sense of their role in a community. Younger students have older peers who can be their role models. We will be incorporating concepts of Reggio Emilia and Montessori  - both tried and tested early childhood practices rooted in research. Our curriculum will reflect a rich and robust classroom environment and student experience. 

The Kindergarten year is where it all comes together. Students engage in more collaborative work and play, exhibit more autonomy, and practice their problem-solving skills, Students acquire and strengthen foundational skills in the different subject areas equipping them for their transition to Grade 1.  

Lower School

In Grades 1 - 4, students continue to work on their mastery of different skills and concepts. They further develop their independence, organization, and time management skills by taking ownership of their everyday learning. Their exposure to different subject areas provides them with a starting point to pursue their interests and passions. At this age, students are social beings and look for ways to engage in their community, navigate different social scenarios, pursue leadership roles while developing empathy and kindness. 

Grade 4 prepares students to meet new milestones in Middle School. They begin to ask deeper questions, think more critically as they find their answers and feel more deeply about the bigger world around them.  

Philosophy 

Early Childhood and Lower School educates the whole child. We honor and meet each student where they are developmentally by affording them the time and opportunity to explore and learn at their own pace.  

Teachers provide students with individualized attention and opportunities for collaboration in a safe, nurturing space where they can take intellectual risks. We seek to expand upon each student’s curiosity and love for learning by engaging in theme-based units integrated throughout the core curriculum of Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. We put children at the center of their education. 

Our Invitation to You

Explore the possibilities! We invite you to use this website to learn more about our programs. We recognize your child’s education is your top priority, and deciding which school is best for your child is a personal choice. We are excited to offer a series of open house events each year so that you can visit our campus and discover more about Staten Island Academy.