Lower School

The Lower School is committed to the intellectual, physical, emotional, social and spiritual development of each girl. We strive to maintain an affirming, caring and academically challenging community that supports inquiry and risk taking necessary for learning. Our curriculum balances expectations for excellence and a sensitivity to individual differences in development and learning style.

Using a wide range of strategies that support the many strengths and interests of our students, we strive to create a learning environment where students will develop critical thinking skills and will engage in creative and flexible thinking. Through the spiritual life of the School, intentional instruction and nurturing relationships between students and teachers, children learn to act with integrity and consideration for others.


Skills every girl gains in our Lower School

List of 7 items.

  • Coding

    Girls start learning the basics of coding, using Cubelets, littleBits and Scratch as tools to gain proficiency in an area in which girls are underrepresented nationally.
  • Critical Thinking

    Girls develop a solid foundation in number sense and problem solving in preparation for algebraic thinking. Through Singapore Math, girls learn different processes finding and articulating the solution.
  • Engineering

    The intentional integration of building activities throughout the Lower School years introduces girls to the basics of engineering. Innovation Days teach girls design thinking and creative problem solving.
  • Ethical Leadership

    The Lower School Virtues Program provides a moral compass to guide the girls in every facet of their daily lives. They embraces empathy as they build leadership skills.
  • Public Speaking

    Girls gain confidence through age-appropriate speaking opportunities. They start as classroom ambassadors in JK and progress to speaking in front of the entire student body as fourth graders.
  • Research Aptitude

    A strong foundation in reading and writing allows girls to dive deeply into subjects by conducting research beginning in JK that accelerates to a capstone project in grade 4.
  • World Languages and Culture

    By teaching both Mandarin Chinese and Spanish beginning at age 3, girls expand their understanding of different cultures while making global connections.

Curriculum Overview

List of 3 items.

  • Early Learners (age 3)

    Language Arts
    Math
    Social Studies
    Science
    Mandarin Chinese
    Spanish
    Art
    Imaginations in Motion (Music, Dance and Physical Education)
    Library
    Technology
  • Junior Kindergarten (age 4)

    Language Arts
    Math
    Social Studies
    Science
    Spanish
    Art
    Music
    Dance
    Physical Education - includes swimming
    Library
    Technology
     
  • Kindergarten-Grade 4

    Language Arts
    Math
    Social Studies
    Science
    Mandarin Chinese (K, Grades 2-4)
    Spanish (Grades 1, 3, 4)
    Art
    Music
    Dance
    Physical Education - includes swimming and Grades 3-4 cycling
    Library
    Technology
    Religion


    Other
    (grade 4 unless otherwise noted)
    Band
    Choir (grades 3-4)
    Outreach
    Inclusion
    Robotics
    Strings (grades 2-4)
"I love the joy that fills the halls and classrooms once the girls arrive. ​I love the fact the girls love to learn and the 'aha' moments that fill each day make me smile. There is no better place than St. Catherine’s.”

— Dr. Annie Kapetanis
    Director of Lower School

Let's Get Started

The best way to get started is to come to St. Catherine’s for a campus tour, to catch a glimpse of School life, to meet our teachers and to see teaching and learning up close.

    • Private Girls Elementary School: St. Catherine's School
6001 Grove Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23226 | 804-288-2804
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