Lower School

Preparing Minds. Living for Christ.

25

Full-time assistants (JrK–1st)
Grade-level assistants (2nd–3rd)

16

MAX NUMBER
of students per class (JrK–3rd)

80+

HOURS SPENT OUTDOORS
annually per child

What an exciting experience to learn and grow in a Christian environment at St. Luke School! It is my privilege as Lower School Principal to partner with our JrK-3rd grade families. It is an incredible opportunity to educate our students academically, spiritually, and socially for God’s call on their lives.

Serving as principal is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I want to make sure we are implementing best practices for our students to be challenged and successful. In Lower School, we have a highly-qualified and dedicated staff that desires to challenge students to explore learning in a safe and nurturing environment, always fostering a love of learning. We strive to differentiate instruction for each child with a rigorous curriculum, a variety of instructional settings, and countless opportunities to build on strengths and improve weaknesses. Weekly enhancement classes include Spanish, Art, Music, STEAM, and Physical Education. We also attend weekly chapel services where we worship our Lord and Savior through student-led songs, prayer, and a message tailored to each child’s age group.

All that we teach comes from a biblical worldview, seeing how truth is from God and how that knowledge impacts each of us. He is the creator and author of everything from math to art to science to reading. It is our goal to disciple the hearts of this next generation for God’s glory through the avenue of an excellent Christian education.

Kristal Renner

Lower School Principal

Academics

  • We believe that a strong, systematic phonics program enriched with engaging literature is the best way to teach children to read. In our lower grades, we use Accelerated Reader to continually monitor children’s comprehension.

  • Our lower school math program is one of a kind. Our teachers use a variety of programs to develop a strong foundation of number sense that leads to a better understanding of higher-level math skills. In addition to each teacher’s instruction, IXL is an individualized program that helps challenge our students in every area of mathematics.

  • Our science curriculum is used to engage students to actively construct ideas through their own inquiries, investigations, and analyses. Grade-level curricular goals are directly tied to experiential learning activities and projects, which are thematically based. Hands-on activities help students see the connections between what they learn in class and the world around them. 

  • What does it mean to be a member of a community? SLS students are engaged in thematic projects and activities that enable them to cultivate and develop both critical thinking and analytical skills. Building a firm foundation in the areas of history, geography, government, and economics prepares students to thrive in our diverse and changing world.

  • Our Bible curriculum is designed to be taught for four days of the week. On our fifth day, Wednesday, we attend chapel, a service that includes corporate worship and a sermon. During our Bible classes, the children have scripture that they memorize and study. From these studies, Christ-like character is discovered and encouraged.

Specials

  • The elementary music program fosters music appreciation through singing, dancing, listening, and playing an assortment of instruments. The students perform at least once a year at chapel services and SLPA meetings.

    Center Stage is an auditioned group of third and fifth-grade students wanting to learn more about the stage. We develop skills in singing and movement, as well as self-confidence for the stage and life.

  • In our lower art classes, we are creating an environment where color and creativity are overflowing! Our curriculum includes engaging art lessons tailored to each student's developmental stage. Art classes are full of fun and positivity, allowing each student to shine as an artist!

  • Lower School Spanish is taught through stories, songs, games, and role-playing. In JrK and Kindergarten, the program is mostly oral, and the children are encouraged to use new words in a mixture of Spanish with English. First-grade and second-grade students are introduced to phonics and spelling. The students learn to sound out words and practice writing. By third and fourth grade, simple grammar rules are introduced, and writing simple sentences becomes natural. With each year, more Spanish is being spoken in the classroom, and students are encouraged to try and speak even if it’s incorrect, so that they develop a good ear for the language. Studies have shown that learning a second language can boost self-confidence and creativity. 

    Lower School Spanish is taught through stories, songs, games, and role-playing. In JrK and Kindergarten, the program is mostly oral, and the children are encouraged to use new words in a mixture of Spanish with English. First-grade and second-grade students are introduced to phonics and spelling. The students learn to sound out words and practice writing. By third and fourth grade, simple grammar rules are introduced, and writing simple sentences becomes natural. With each year, more Spanish is being spoken in the classroom, and students are encouraged to try and speak even if it’s incorrect, so that they develop a good ear for the language. Studies have shown that learning a second language can boost self-confidence and creativity. 

    Grade 5 Spanish

    Students in fifth grade are introduced to the Spanish language through stories, games, and other engaging activities using focused vocabulary in context. Students are learning to speak, read, write, and write with communication as the main focus. In fifth grade, culture notes are focused on Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama.

    Students in fifth grade are introduced to the Spanish language through stories, games, and other engaging activities using focused vocabulary in context. Students are learning to speak, read, write, and write with communication as the main focus. In fifth grade, culture notes are focused on Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama.

  • The STEAM lab (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) is designed to extend what is learned in the classroom using all of the elements in its name. Students are encouraged to explore and try new ideas while also practicing communication and team-building skills with their classmates. 

  • At St. Luke School, our Physical Education program provides a safe and nurturing environment where students can grow, learn, and thrive. Through Sport Education and Gameplay, we focus on enhancing skills, fostering teamwork, and promoting the joy of movement. Our ultimate goal is to develop physically literate individuals who value an active lifestyle and embrace the benefits of lifelong health and wellness.

  • St. Luke School's two media centers operate on a flexible schedule during regular school operating hours. This allows teachers to send students to visit the centers individually to check books in and out. Time is set aside each week for grades JrK-3rd to visit the library as a whole class (4th grade classes visit biweekly) to listen to stories and explore books they would like to read. We endeavor to create a welcoming and engaging library environment that encourages a love of reading and lifelong learning.