Lower School
At Penn Charter, the Lower School offers a warm, values-driven start to a child’s educational journey rooted in Quaker principles and social-emotional learning. We nurture the whole child—academically and personally—so every student feels known, supported and has a strong sense of belonging.
Supportive Teachers, Small Classes
Our small class sizes help create strong teacher, student and family relationships, and ensure ample one-on-one attention.
Beautiful Spaces to Learn
The Richard A. Balderston OPC ’69 Lower School, completed in 2025, features spaces like Winokur Family Library, an Idea Lab, and abundant indoor and outdoor play spaces.
An Interdisciplinary Approach
We know that children learn better when ideas are connected. Our curriculum is structured around thematic units that tie together different subjects.
Project-Based Learning
Students collaborate, ask thoughtful questions and apply new skills through meaningful, project-based experiences that connect learning to the real world.
Individualized Learning
Our elementary curriculum honors the individual strengths of each child while building the skills and confidence needed for lifelong learning.
Our goal is to present kids with tools and experiences and have the students apply them independently. If they can walk out of the Lower School feeling like, 'I can laser cut, I can 3D print, I can graphic design, I can code, and I can do it all for a specific class,' that's a win in our book.
Dan Stahl, Innovation and Design Teacher
About the Richard A. Balderston OPC '69 Lower School
Penn Charter's new Lower School reshapes learning for our youngest learners and unites pre-K to 12 students in a vibrant academic community. Designed to reflect PC’s curriculum and the latest research on how children learn and grow, the school’s expansive learning and play spaces empower students with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to thrive in a complex world.
Penn Charter's Lower School reshapes learning for our youngest learners and unites pre-K to 12 students in a vibrant academic community. Designed to reflect PC’s curriculum and the latest research on how children learn and grow, the school’s expansive learning and play spaces empower students with the knowledge, confidence and skills to thrive in a complex world.