Lawrence Academy’s Lower School is grounded in a mission to develop the whole child — socially, culturally, and morally. The curriculum and daily experience are designed to nurture a love of learning, foster curiosity, and encourage students to realize their fullest potential.
The learning environment emphasizes personal attention, strong relationships among students, teachers and families, and a community-oriented, supportive atmosphere where each student is known and valued.
- Language Arts - Open Court Reading is a comprehensive K‑5 reading, writing, and language arts curriculum that is research‑based and aligned with how children learn to read. The program uses systematic and explicit instruction in foundational reading skills (like phonemic awareness, phonics, word‑reading), fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing.
- Math - Math in Focus emphasizes conceptual understanding, problem‑solving, and the progression from concrete to pictorial to abstract representations. It uses visual models (bar models, number bonds) and manipulative‑based activities to help students understand the “why” behind the math, not just the “how”.
- Science - Science Studies Weekly includes guiding questions, student reading (nonfiction text), inquiry/experiment or data activity, writing prompts or literacy components, and assessments. The materials integrate with literacy (reading nonfiction, vocabulary), sometimes math/data, and are created to work in a “newspaper/magazine” look and consumable format to engage students.
- Social Studies - Social Studies Weekly includes the foundation of social studies for early grades: self, family, community, responsibilities, basic geography and culture. In grades 3-5 the program introduces progressively broader content: North Carolina’s history and geography, U.S. history connections, economics and civic concepts, and personal‑financial literacy. It integrates geography, history, culture, government, economics across grades in an inquiry‑based framework.
Handwriting - Zaner-Bloser handwriting is a comprehensive handwriting program for English that covers manuscript (print) and later cursive handwriting for grades K–4.
At the Lower School level (pre-kindergarten through grade 5), students take part in a broad curriculum that combines foundational skills, creative expression, technology, and physical development:
- Physical Education - In the earliest years (Pre-K), emphasis is on developing motor skills — walking, running, skipping, etc. As students’ progress through K-5, PE includes throwing, kicking, catching, and games that build coordination and foundational athletic skills.
- STEM - introduces young learners to the principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through inquiry, discovery, and design. It encourages curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking—skills that prepare students to become creative problem solvers.
- Art - helps children develop creativity, imagination, and fine motor skills while learning to communicate through visual expression. Students explore different materials, techniques, and art forms as they learn to see and interpret the world around them.
- Music - introduces students to singing, instrument playing, listening, and movement. It helps children develop musical skills, creativity, teamwork, and an appreciation for different styles and cultures of music.
- Library - supports reading and learning. Students develop a love of books, and learn skills to become independent and curious learners
Lower School at Lawrence Academy is not just about academics — it’s about building character, nurturing social and emotional growth, and equipping students with the habits of lifelong learners.
Why Families Choose Lawrence academy:
Families looking for a small-school, mission-driven environment will appreciate:
- A focus on balanced development: academic, physical, social, emotional.
- A nurturing, community-oriented setting in which younger learners are supported as they grow.
- Opportunities for students to begin building strong foundational skills from early years onward.