Lower Schools
Grades 1–5
In our Lower Schools, curiosity leads the way. When young learners are able to follow their interests, learning becomes deeper, more meaningful, and full of joy. That’s why our teachers embrace student-driven exploration, weaving real-world wonders into daily lessons and projects.
By nurturing this curiosity, Shady Side students are inspired to ask questions, take risks, and dive into discovery. In grades 1–5, learning isn’t just about what happens in the classroom—it’s about building the confidence and enthusiasm to explore new topics with excitement and purpose.
Core Program
![arts]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741971129/shadyside/nhtxma3grcxpnz8wbtyw/arts.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741971129/shadyside/nhtxma3grcxpnz8wbtyw/arts.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741971129/shadyside/nhtxma3grcxpnz8wbtyw/arts.png","width":800}])
![humanities]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741971024/shadyside/ivj3kfcwgpkmfk4cauvs/humanities.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741971024/shadyside/ivj3kfcwgpkmfk4cauvs/humanities.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741971024/shadyside/ivj3kfcwgpkmfk4cauvs/humanities.png","width":800}])
![world languages]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741971046/shadyside/axpzk7iykmlnge34eqe1/languages.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741971046/shadyside/axpzk7iykmlnge34eqe1/languages.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741971046/shadyside/axpzk7iykmlnge34eqe1/languages.png","width":800}])
![stem]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741970918/shadyside/cmxrxvkvqq4pdcpbjlfs/stem.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741970918/shadyside/cmxrxvkvqq4pdcpbjlfs/stem.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741970918/shadyside/cmxrxvkvqq4pdcpbjlfs/stem.png","width":800}])
We spark a love for learning.
Teaching phonics by activating the senses.
AEIOU. Country Day School students in Katie Trant’s class hear the different forms vowels can take. They see how their teacher’s mouth changes shape. They feel the vibrations as they build clusters of consonants. And their collective excitement builds every time they acquire a new sight word, sound out a sentence, read a chapter, or finish a book. Shady Side’s multi-sensory, phonics-based reading program builds early literacy and classroom community, which are essential ingredients for creating fluency and confidence.
I hope our students are able to find things in the world that they are passionate about. We want them to see how their unique skills connect to something they might pursue when they grow up.
Kelley GreggGrade 4 Teacher
Bringing Our Signature Experience to Life
Learning moves beyond the classroom and into the world in grades 1–5. Whether exploring the outdoors, embarking on field trips, or welcoming guest experts, our students engage with their surroundings in meaningful, hands-on ways. A trip to the Carnegie Science Center, for example, transforms a lesson on physics into an interactive experience, where students experiment with forces and motion, watch robots in action, and see science come to life. Back on campus, learning is enriched by visiting experts, like a wildlife conservationist who introduces students to local animals, deepening their understanding of habitats and inspiring a love for the natural world.
Leading the Way in Lower School
Jennifer Asmonga
Head of Lower Schools
Junior School
Melanie Smith
Assistant Head of School
Dan Stern P'33,'37
Assistant Head of School
Country Day School
Katie Bergamasco
Assistant Head of School
Beth Grover ’01 P'36,'38
Assistant Head of School