Lower School Enrichments

Students in preschool through the 4th grade travel to other areas of the school for co-curricular enrichment classes. These enrichment classes are instructed by specialists to support and further enhance the education of the well-rounded student.

Library

Our library is a place where stories come alive and curiosity takes root. For more than 30 years, Mrs. Candy Hocutt has been delighting preschoolers with her love of books—sometimes even dressing in costume to bring stories to life! Children eagerly check out books to take home and return each week, discovering new adventures with every visit.

Lower School students visit the library weekly and often stop in to exchange books throughout the week. With shelves filled with both fiction and nonfiction at every reading level, our librarian, Mr. Martin, helps each child find books that spark joy, fuel imagination, and build a lifelong love of reading.

Technology

From Preschool through 4th grade, technology is woven into learning in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.

In Grades 1–4, every student is equipped with their own 1:1 iPad, which is used for STEM, Coding, and classroom learning. Teachers thoughtfully integrate technology to enhance lessons—whether it’s practicing math and reading skills, exploring virtual field trips, or researching new topics. Along the way, students learn essential skills like touch typing, email basics, safe web research, and digital citizenship.

Technology is also a tool for creativity. Children bring their learning to life through digital art, videos, slideshows, and interactive presentations that they proudly share with classmates, teachers, and parents. These projects build not only skills, but also confidence, imagination, and joy in creating.

Together, our foreign language and technology programs open doors—helping children connect with the wider world, think creatively, and embrace the joy of learning in new and exciting ways.

Physical Education

Physical Education is an everyday highlight for Kindergarten through 4th grade. Children develop fine and gross motor skills, build healthy habits, and discover the joy of movement. From learning basic sports skills to practicing teamwork and sportsmanship, PE sets the stage for a lifetime of activity, confidence, and health.

Music

Our Preschool and Lower School Music Program inspires young learners to discover the joy of music through engaging, hands-on experiences. Designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and confidence while building foundational musical skills, all students receive music instruction twice a week, year-round. Through singing, rhythm activities, instrument exploration, and movement, students develop an appreciation for diverse musical styles, from classical to contemporary. The program enhances listening skills, boosts self-expression, and encourages collaboration in a fun, supportive environment. 

Our students have many opportunities to shine in performance. Preschool students perform in three delightful annual programs: Thanksgiving, Winter Holiday, and Grandparents Day. Meanwhile, students in grades 1-4 captivate audiences with a grade-level musical play each year, in addition to joining the heartwarming Grandparents Day Program.

In the spring of 2025 we added a new performance opportunity by establishing the Young TA Players, an extension of our middle and upper school Theatre program. Now, students in the lower school can participate in an extra-curricular musical theatre production annually.

Each performance opportunity helps students develop creativity, confidence, and collaboration skills while enhancing their musical abilities, emotional expression, and teamwork. These experiences foster cognitive, social, and emotional growth in an engaging, fun way. Whether preparing for performances or simply exploring the magic of the performing arts, our program nurtures every child’s potential to shine.

Art

Preschool and Lower School Art is designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and introduce students to the world of visual arts. Through engaging, hands-on projects, students explore a wide variety of art mediums—from drawing and painting to sculpture, collage, and mixed media. We try our best to stay clean, but a good art class is a little messy! 

Each month, we highlight an Artist of the Month, giving students the opportunity to learn about influential artists from different times and cultures. Not all of the great artists are gone! These lessons help students understand artistic styles, techniques, and the way art can express ideas and emotions.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in the school wide art showcase. With some of their works advancing onto district and state.

We believe every child is an artist. Our classes encourage students to find their own creative voice, make choices in their artwork, and express themselves. Whether they’re experimenting with new materials or interpreting the work of a famous artist, students are always encouraged to think creatively and take pride in their work.

Foreign Languages

In Preschool, children are introduced to German twice a week in a playful and engaging way. Through songs, stories, games, and hands-on activities, they begin building a foundation in the language while also experiencing German culture. These lessons are not only fun, but they also help our youngest learners connect with and appreciate the many German friends who are a special part of our school community.

In Grades 1–4, students rotate through Spanish, French, German, and Coding, spending a quarter of the year with each. This exciting rotation gives children the chance to experience new languages, explore diverse cultures, and expand their worldview. Along the way, they discover the beauty of communication, celebrate cultural differences, and gain confidence in trying something new. Our goal is simple: to spark a love of languages and inspire curiosity about the world around them.

Young Singers

The Young Singers program provides students with additional, extracurricular training in vocal performance, as well as opportunities to participate in various performance opportunities and festivals. 

Students in grades 1-6 of all experience levels are invited to participate in this singing ensemble.

In the past, the TA Singers vocal ensemble featured 7th-12th grade students united to create beautiful performances and expand upon the musical skills and knowledge garnered in our LS music program. Though we currently do not have a middle and upper school vocal ensemble, we are poised to make a comeback! With the roaring success of our TA Young Singers program, we anticipate the return of the TA Singers, building upon the strong foundation. If you want to be a part of rebuilding our TA Singers ensemble, please reach out to Mrs. Cates.