Academic Program

Reading & Writing

Reading and writing are both taught in workshop format. Reading workshops allow students to read real books, rather than textbooks, while the writing program incorporates investigation and reflection. Workshops focus on basic skills, such as phonics and word study, in genres such as mystery, nonfiction and realistic fiction.

SDS Lower School students raising their hands

Frontiers

In addition to our traditional math and science curriculum, every first through fourth grade student participates in Frontiers, an enrichment class designed to guide them in solving problems by thinking creatively. Students do this through hands-on activities such as creating simple machines, formulating an original perfume and dissecting sharks.

SDS Lower School students playing in classroom

IB

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme prepares students to become active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others and have the capacity to participate in the world around them. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both within and beyond the classroom.

Foreign Language

Our philosophy for teaching foreign language in the Lower School is to instill in our students an appreciation and enthusiasm of language and culture. Having a rich language background helps Spartanburg Day School students prepare to live in a global society. The Spanish program complements our International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme by helping students understand different cultures and see the world from many different perspectives. After graduating from the Lower School, students are able to continue with their Spanish studies in the Middle and Upper schools.

Technology

Beginning in first grade, Lower School students experience 1:1 technology with both iPads and MacBooks. The use of technology is thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum, preparing students to be responsible digital citizens.

Art, Music & PE

Students participate in PE and art two to four times each week and master music fundamentals through weekly classes and multiple performances.

Learn what's happening in:

2K

Our play-based 2K program sets the stage for learning as a Spartanburg Day School Griffin. The school day is based on a unique blend of fun and learning in a supportive and nurturing environment. Teachers encourage emerging independence and present opportunities for children to develop as individuals and as part of a group. Our 2K classes focus on language, social and physical development, growing life skills and fostering a love for learning through play, inquiry and a literacy-rich environment.

Students participate in enrichment programs during the school day, including art, music, immersion Spanish and physical education. Our goal: for students to become "discoverers" who are confident, happy and excited to learn.

3K

In 3K, teachers celebrate students' natural curiosity, designing projects and opportunities around the child's expressed interests. Curriculum is organized around rotating centers that are carefully set up for children to accomplish goals at his or her own pace and master skills through play.

Students participate in performances, including a holiday concert and In the Barnyard play, that build confidence and pride. By the end of the year, students are taking ownership of their learning, even at this earliest stage.

Students participate in speciality classes including music, PE, art, Spanish and library one to four times each week. Teachers thoughtfully incorporate lessons in technology and time spent in the Lower School Design Lab into 3K experiences throughout the year.

4K

Our 4K program gets students ready to enter kindergarten as confident young learners. Teachers celebrate students' natural curiosity, designing projects and opportunities around the child's expressed interests. Curriculum is organized around rotating centers that are carefully set up for children to accomplish goals at his or her own pace and master skills through play. Students begin preparing for early math concepts and leave 4K with a self-assured grasp on letters, numbers and sounds.

Students participate in performances, including a holiday concert and the Mother Goose play, that build confidence and pride. They participate in speciality classes including music, PE, art, Spanish and library one to four times each week. Teachers thoughtfully incorporate lessons in technology and time spent in the Lower School Design Lab into 4K experiences throughout the year.

Kindergarten

Our kindergarten students are beginning to establish their own identities as early readers and writers. They are introduced to the Lower School's comprehensive reading and writing program, taught in a workshop format. Students are exposed to a wide range of math activities designed to familiarize them with basic math concepts. Learning is largely structured around centers designed to help students explore concepts at their own pace.

Students participate in performances, including a holiday concert and the How Does Your Garden Grow? play, that build confidence and pride. They participate in speciality classes including music, PE, art, Spanish and library one to four times each week. Teachers thoughtfully incorporate lessons in technology and time spent in the Lower School Design Lab into kindergarten experiences throughout the year.

First Grade

First grade students focus on building good reading habits, learning how to become more strategic as readers. In writing, students learn about focus, detail and dialogue. Math lessons incorporate skills such as addition and subtraction, shapes, graphs, time and money. First grade classes are also introduced to the Frontiers math and science program, an enrichment class designed to guide them in solving problems by thinking creatively.

Students participate in speciality classes including music, PE, art, Spanish and library one to three times each week. Beginning in first grade, Lower School students experience 1:1 technology with iPads. The use of technology is thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum, preparing students to be responsible digital citizens.

Dr. Seuss Day is always a favorite among first grade students. They enjoy dressing up as their favorite characters and feasting on green eggs and ham.

Second Grade

When it comes to reading, students move from a "little kid" focus on print to a "big kid" focus on meaning. Writing lessons improve narrative writing and incorporate lab reports, science books and poetry. They are introduced to the skill of cursive writing. Students learn about numbers up to 1,000 and continue to build on essential math skills. Science lessons include units on living things and water conservation, and social studies units focus on beginning America and citizenship.

Students participate in speciality classes including music, PE, art, Spanish and library one to three times each week. Second grade students experience 1:1 technology with iPads. The use of technology is thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum, preparing students to be responsible digital citizens.

Third Grade

In third grade, students make the crucial transition from learning to read to reading to learn. They learn about information writing and become more fully engaged in the writing process. Math lessons incorporate units on place value, problem solving, probability and geometry. In science, students are learning about electricity, Earth's layers and skeletal systems. Students learn about state symbols and regions.

Students participate in speciality classes including music, PE, art, Spanish and library one to three times each week. Beginning in third grade, Lower School students experience 1:1 technology with laptops. The use of technology is thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum, preparing students to be responsible digital citizens.

A highlight of the third grade year is the Time Marches On production. Students portray a historical figure of their choosing, writing and memorizing a monologue as that person. The play comes to life on stage in front of an audience of family and friends.

Fourth Grade

Fourth Grade at Spartanburg Day School is designed to ready each and every student for the next big step: Middle School.

One of the most anticipated events is the fourth grade speech, the culmination of a six-week writing unit. Students brainstorm ideas and then draft and perfect their own personal and persuasive essays on ideas important to them. Topics range from the whimsical (what superpower I’d like to have) to the touching (why family matters). Students then deliver their speeches to an audience of family and friends.

Students participate in speciality classes including music, PE, art, Spanish and library one to three times each week. Fourth grade students experience 1:1 technology with laptops. The use of technology is thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum, preparing students to be responsible digital citizens.

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