Lower School

Foote School is a magical place to be a young child. Each day is filled with wonder and hands-on learning that inspires and challenges young minds. From the very first day, our students are valued and nurtured as individuals by teachers who expertly guide each child to reach his or her full potential.

Foote teachers understand that children are naturally curious and cultivate that sense of wonder into a lifelong love of learning by encouraging questions that lead to deeper discovery. At Foote, a child’s curiosity isn’t a detour from the day’s lesson—it is the lesson.

Our inquiry-based approach makes learning an active and exciting experience for children, leading them to greater understanding. Ask a Kindergartner why wood floats in water, and you’re likely to get an answer about physics and fluid dynamics. Enter a second grade classroom and listen as students consider concepts of equality and injustice with insight.

We take play seriously in the early grades because decades of research have shown it develops creativity, resilience, executive function and problem-solving skills, allowing our youngest learners to meet academic challenges with joy and confidence.

Children and parents at Foote are welcomed into a second family. Teachers celebrate individual students within the group and honor their backgrounds while crafting experiences that build community through problem solving and play. In short order, children develop a sense of belonging and come to see learning as great fun.

Throughout Grades K–5, students explore their own identities and celebrate the individual contributions they bring to our school community. Our classroom curriculum is enriched through art, drama, music, outdoor education, physical education, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. The combined experience affords students the opportunity to discover their own voice, ask thoughtful questions, develop their talents and make courageous choices.

Learning in the Lower School at Foote is a truly unique experience, and one that remains with our students throughout their lives. We invite you to explore our Lower School curriculum and visit Foote to experience the excitement for yourself!

We strive to meet each student's individual needs by providing opportunities to demonstrate mastery of skills and concepts in a variety of ways: writing, oral presentations, simulations, and creative hands-on projects.

Teachers carefully assess children in literacy and math to track progress and ensure that school and family are working together to support the student.

Advanced classes offer students the chance to stretch themselves academically. All students are encouraged to seek out faculty members with specialized knowledge to further pursue their passions.

Foote's Learning Support Program provides specific skill instruction to students who need targeted academic support. Five full-time learning specialists collaborate with classroom teachers and families to help students with a broad range of learning profiles, working with students one-on-one and in small groups. The Learning Support model is designed to help students build confidence and succeed in a challenging academic program.

Student choice and reflection can both be extremely powerful tools for differentiation. The faculty empower students to take ownership of their own learning which then informs the choices teachers make about the learning program.