Fifth graders celebrated their Moving-Up Ceremony in the Graham Athletics & Wellness Center on June 6. Congratulations to the Class of 2031!
Lower School
The journey of a Lower School student at Penn Charter is one of cognitive and character development, deeply rooted in our Quaker values and a focus on the growth of the whole child. We help children to see the best in themselves and in each other, honoring the inner light of each child and helping them to bring their best selves to school each day. Our students thrive academically, socially and emotionally in a culture of peace and community—one where the joy of learning, caring for one another and the community, and peaceful resolution of conflict are the cornerstones of success.
Learning in the youngest years builds on a transfer from the concrete to the conceptual. Students learn the building blocks of how to read, write and think mathematically as they grow into critical and creative thinkers. They participate in a collaborative process in which they learn from and with each other, guided by our expert educators in hands-on learning. Students learn critical skills and strategies, and apply this to real-world, project-based learning that is both innovative and challenging.
As a result, they develop the capacity to communicate and collaborate, asking questions, thinking critically, writing effectively and listening carefully in ways that support a life-long love of learning.
Our small class size lends to strong teacher, student and family relationships, and ensures ample one-on-one attention. The Lower School teachers are dedicated to improving practice through ongoing personal and collaborative professional development, including in our Teaching & Learning Center. Lower School curriculum coordinators guide best practice and oversee the ongoing refinement and updating of curriculum, assuring that our students have access to an academic program that is both child-centered and challenging. Students at Penn Charter grow into bright, compassionate, high-achieving and academically curious children.
Curricular Highlights
Individualized learning. Our private elementary school curriculum celebrates the unique gift that each child brings to school and provides essential tools for lifelong learning.
Collaboration. While learning to read and write and perform mathematical functions, students also learn to communicate and cooperate. They learn to ask questions, think critically, write effectively, listen carefully, and put all those pieces together.
Interdisciplinary topics. We know that children learn better when ideas are connected. Consequently, interdisciplinary or “thematic learning” in which teachers apply one theme in reading, writing, math, art and social studies is integral to our elementary education program.
Hands-on work. We know that learning is enhanced when new ideas progress from the concrete to the conceptual, and that children learn by doing—so, many of our Lower School activities are hands-on.
Explore Our Lower School Program
Thu-Nga Morris, an educator with more than 15 years of experience supporting and inspiring young learners, will begin July 1.
Celebrating the official groundbreaking of the Richard A. Balderston OPC '69 Lower School.
Third graders showcase their research on historical figures who have positively impacted the world.
PC educators have sought to create “windows and mirrors” when teaching about and discussing diversity, equity and inclusion.
Students in 1st and 4th grades participated in service projects in conjunction with PC's Center for Public Purpose and Cradles to Crayons.
Upper School students partnered with Lower School students to develop outdoor learning experiences for the playground.
The fifth grade closing assembly marked the end of the school year for Lower School. Congrats on moving up to Middle School!