The Lower School, Prekindergarten - 4th Grade, is dedicated to supporting the individual learning styles of young children. Fostering a nurturing environment where students feel a sense of accomplishment in pursuing their own individual interests is of the utmost importance. Claremont Preparatory School provides a foundation of learning, which enables students to develop their intellectual potential.
Claremont Prep’s curriculum is age-appropriate while maintaining a challenging, interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. Small class sizes of about 15 students, with a head teacher and assistant teacher, allow for individualized attention in a structured environment. Teachers focus their approach on encouraging creativity and providing a forum where students acquire readiness and requisite academic skills.
School trips provide an opportunity to reinforce and extend the classroom curriculum. Through external resources, students learn real world applications of curriculum presented and a variety of perspectives that inform thought and classroom discussions. Beginning in Kindergarten, lower school students take several trips throughout the year.
The entire Lower School faculty is committed to supporting young students in gaining confidence as learners while mentoring their interdependence through cooperative learning. Every student learns to work and play together, develop self-respect and exhibit an understanding of his or her peers and faculty, through a friendly and warm approach to learning.
A semesterly system is in place, providing multiple opportunities for students to continue their academic pursuits while allowing room for successful improvement. Student assessment is ongoing and begins in Prekindergarten, where students begin to understand their strengths and weaknesses through conferencing with their teachers. Parent/teacher conferences are held in the Fall and Spring of each year which provide a framework for individual academic and social growth. Students begin receiving grades in 5th grade, but progress reports are sent home beginning in Prekindergarten.
At Claremont Prep, we believe that education is a joint effort between parents and teachers. Keeping the lines of communication open is vital, and is done through daily contact, phone calls, and emails, between parents and teachers. A strong partnership among students, parents, faculty and administration provides the finest foundation for academic pursuits and the successful education of a young mind.
