Our Lower School

In our Lower School program, we maintain a small teacher-student ratio of 12:1 in the academic classroom on average. This ratio allows for teachers to respect students' individual differences and set challenging but achievable goals for each student.

Each day children are engaged for a sustained period of time in: reading, writing, math workshops, and project work. Project Work is integrated work that focuses on helping students achieve science, social studies, and technology goals

At a glance

The Lower School includes Kindergarten through 4th Grade.

The Lower School has a teacher-student ratio of 12:1 in the academic classroom.

There are two full-time licensed teachers in each classroom.

 "Duke School provides unique opportunities and a friendly environment for kids with different talents. Both Ellen and Albert think the school is fun."

~Fan, Hui Li, Elle '09, and Albert '15

 

Keeping in line with our methodology, technology is integrated right into the classroom rather than provided as a discrete subject area in a computer lab environment. Technology is an integral part of our project work. In elementary classrooms, students use a weather Web site to track hurricanes along the North Carolina coast, create original movies to share project work, and program LEGO-built vehicles when studying simple and complex machines.

Each week children attend PE, music, Spanish, and art classes. Kindergarten through fourth grade students also receive 90 minutes per week of Spanish instruction. Through these special classes, children develop skills and concepts in each area. Working in collaboration with classroom teachers, special teachers frequently integrate art, music, and PE concepts into classroom project work.

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Lower School