Lower School

All children are born curious. GDS makes sure they stay that way.

At the GDS Lower School, your child will cultivate their “me” and discover their “we” in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive community. Rooted in joyful, hands-on learning, our approach sparks curiosity, fuels imagination, and supports the growth of confident, compassionate, and resilient young learners. From developing essential life skills and self-reliance to embracing creativity and working for the good of others, students become intellectually curious problem-solvers and advocates for a better tomorrow. Our dedicated faculty foster a lasting love of learning and a culture of respect, kindness, and inclusion.

271

Students in Lower School, PK-4th grade

120

minutes of P.E. per week

25

assembly guest speakers and performers

46

field trips taken in a single year PK-4th grade

Signature Programs

Grade-Level Hallmark Projects

Lower School Impact Lab

Student Life

GDS emphasizes a comprehensive education designed to prepare students for a lifetime of learning and a healthy appreciation of their world and its opportunities. Get a feel for what a typical day is like for a GDS Lower School student with the example schedule shared below.

8:00 a.m.

Our School Day Begins/Morning Meeting

In each LS homeroom, students start their day connecting with each other, reviewing the schedule for the day, and grounding themselves before learning.

8:30 a.m.

Science

Dedicated science spaces are available in all LS grades, where young scientists complete labs, explore the world around them, and ask and answer scientific questions creatively, collaboratively, and independently.

9:15 a.m.

P.E.

At GDS, we believe students need multiple opportunities throughout the day to move their bodies—and in the LS, daily P.E. class helps students focus on athletic skill building and team building.

10:00 a.m.

Math

All students are mathematicians at GDS, where we emphasize building reasoning abilities and understanding math facts in order to apply them, not just rote memorization.

11:00 a.m.

Arts (Visual and Performing)*

Students in all LS grades participate in weekly music and dance classes. By first grade, students also access our sun-filled visual arts studios, where students explore their creativity. In fourth grade, students can join band, chorus, or dance enrichment classes.

12:00 p.m.

Lunch & Recess

A nutritious meal is served every day in our café, where students have access to a salad bar, hot meal (including vegetarian options), pasta bar, and more. Check out the menu

Our world-class playground provides multiple opportunities for creative outdoor play. Take a slide!

1:00 p.m.

Language Arts

In LS language arts, students become fluent readers and writers, as well as effective communicators and listeners across multiple human perspectives, equipping them with the skills to think critically and work collaboratively.

2:15 p.m.

Social Studies

Students in LS develop a meaningful understanding of the world, view history through multiple lenses, and develop their strength of character and empathy to reflect upon and advocate for social justice in the world.

2:45 p.m.

Pack-Up and Closing Circle

In each LS homeroom, students end their day reconnecting with each other and getting ready to head home.

3:00-3:30 p.m.

Dismissal

PK-2 is dismissed at 3:00 p.m., while grades 3-4 is dismissed at 3:30

*Other classes that occur throughout the week, but not daily
View Lower School Curriculum

*Other classes that occur throughout the week, but not daily

Library
In weekly library time, students practice information literacy skills and learn how to select books and articles, while also being exposed to a wide variety of books through read-alouds.

World Language
Starting from PK/K, GDS integrates Spanish into various classroom activities; starting in third grade, students have the option to choose between Chinese, French, or Spanish.

View Lower School Curriculum

Arts Overview (LMS)

Explore More

Traditions

Building community and a sense of belonging is at the heart of our GDS traditions. From our all-school celebrations to Lower School specialties, these traditions foster a shared identity that follows our young Hoppers through to adulthood, creating fond memories, enhancing the learning experience, and building a holistic school culture. Learn more about our all school traditions.

Building community and a sense of belonging is at the heart of our GDS traditions. From our all-school celebrations to Lower School specialties, these traditions foster a shared identity that follows our young Hoppers through to adulthood, creating fond memories, enhancing the learning experience, and building a holistic school culture.

LEARN MORE
about our all school traditions

All School Traditions

Clubs & Activities

The GDS Buddy Program
Our buddy program is built to nurture leadership, empathy, and friendship across the divisions. On our One GDS campus, Lower School students have meaningful opportunities to connect with Middle/High School mentors throughout the year, both during and after school.

Fourth Grade LEAD
In fourth grade, students have a focus on leadership development through LEAD (Leading with Empathy, Acting with Compassion, Demonstrating Care), and the counselors contribute to the development and implementation of training and activities for students as leaders in the division.

Health and Wellness

At GDS, we believe student health and wellness are the keys to unlocking potential—both in the classroom and beyond.

That’s why we go beyond the basics, building meaningful connections, weaving wellness into learning, and creating daily moments of balance and joy. From energizing activities to mindful breaks, everything we do is designed for students to thrive and build healthy habits for life.

In the Lower School, students regularly engage in interactive activities, stories, and classroom discussions that focus on building their skills with the recognition and management of emotions, communication, conflict resolution, and healthy decision making.

Classroom Lessons - Counselor Led: In the Lower School, counselors teach Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons based on standards identified by CASEL and Learning for Justice’s Social Justice Standards, which include intra- and interpersonal skill development, identity, and problem solving.
Health Educator Led: A health educator teaches lessons focused on physical development and safety based on the National Health Education Standards.
Individual and Small Groups: Counselors provide counseling to students based on identified needs. Groups include social skills, coping strategies, and changing families. Counselors modify areas of focus based on students’ primary concerns.
Consultation and Collaboration with adults in the community to support student development and promote a healthy school climate
Parent Programming: Counselors offer a series of educational programs and trainings for parents and guardians to support school success, parenting skill development and continued home-school partnerships. These events also offer opportunities for parents to cultivate relationships with other parents.