Berwick Academy’s Lower School provides an exciting, stimulating environment for students to grow. When students know they are valued, they are willing to share ideas, take risks, and develop their innate curiosity.  We also recognize the need to nurture the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of our students in kindergarten through fourth grade.

We believe that Lower School students have a boundless capacity to absorb all that is offered them and apply their skills to everyday life. In the five Lower School grades, students’ days are filled with books and stories, mathematics and writing. Students learn to be careful observers and to explore the world around them. When working with naturalist, David Carroll, students observed salamanders and turtles; then went on to write their thoughts, illustrate their observations, and draw conclusions of this natural phenomenon.

Each grade fuses the study of art, music, and drama with special themes. Berwick’s philosophy of performance and exhibition based programs is demonstrated through its classes of music keyboard for kindergarten through grade two, violin for grade three, and recorder for grade four. Our winter production provides all students with the opportunity to perform on stage. In art classes, students learn about famous artists and masterpieces while creating their own works of art.

Physical education classes reflect our commitment to physical well-being, team spirit, and participation. The initial emphasis is on movement and balance with more refined gross motor skills introduced when developmentally appropriate. Learning to lead and follow, taking joy in a friend’s accomplishments, and acquiring new skills are the ultimate goals.

Incorporated into the school week are classes in French, science, library, and computer. Private lessons in dance and music are also available. In this well-balanced environment, Lower School students are encouraged to deepen their curiosity and  creativity, acquire learning skills and a love for learning, and become contributing members of their class and division.