Bringing Lower School Learning to Life
In the Lower School, the Liggett Approach transforms learning into an engaging, student-driven journey where curiosity leads the way. Through hands-on exploration, personalized instruction, and a strong foundation in core academics, our students develop confidence, creativity, and a passion for learning. With expert educators guiding them every step of the way, children are empowered to think critically, collaborate, and build the skills they need to excel.
Lower School
Student-Centered Learning
Empowered Education
Within the highly intentional framework of the Liggett Approach, agency is a key theme that empowers students to thoughtfully reflect, choose topics, and engage in ways that matter to them. From researching their own thesis questions to choosing their mode of presentation, our students take full ownership of their learning every step of the way.
Lower School
Student-Centered Learning
Meaning Over Memorization
Student-centered learning is at the heart of every experience, prompting students to explore their interests from many angles. Rather than learning about siloed subjects, projects weave different areas of the curriculum together, encouraging students to see the bigger picture and understand how content connects across disciplines.
Lower School
Student-Centered Learning
Valuing Student Voices
With teachers partnering with students to establish clear goals, students design every element of their projects - creating websites, printing brochures, writing presentation scripts, and filming videos - to create something truly their own. This empowering approach makes learning both deeply personal and highly engaging. It also prepares them for the complexities and rigor of the Academic Research Program in the Upper School.
Lower School
Excellence Through Rigor
At ULS, rigor is not about high pressure or rote memorization; it's about creating opportunities for students to engage with material in meaningful ways. Diving deep into topics through both classroom and project work, students explore concepts from multiple perspectives, building academic stamina and lasting understanding.
Lower School
Excellence Through Rigor
Standards of Excellence
Teachers regularly conference with students to establish goals, track and reflect upon progress, and course correct as needed. They know when and how to challenge, support, and guide each student to thrive. This approach prepares students to take risks, learn from feedback, and continually refine their understanding in every subject.
Lower School
Excellence Through Rigor
Rigor That Matters
Lower School students engage in thinking routines that build essential skills for lifelong learning. By connecting ideas, approaching problems from multiple perspectives, and confidently articulating their reasoning, students develop a strong foundation for deeper understanding and academic growth.
Lower School
Strategies That Drive Growth
Innovating With Intention
At ULS, every aspect of teaching and learning is intentionally designed to benefit students. Teachers are committed to continuously identifying and integrating the best educational tools, practices, and resources into the classroom, preparing students to excel - with purpose - in an increasingly complex and advancing world.
Lower School
Strategies That Drive Growth
Growth Beyond Grades
Growth is measured far beyond grades, emphasizing real-world demonstrations of skills like public speaking, communication, writing, and research. Students showcase their abilities in authentic settings, allowing teachers to track development in meaningful ways.
Lower School
Strategies That Drive Growth
Redefining Success
Assessment at ULS goes beyond a single test, using a variety of formal and informal tools to measure growth. Feedback from teachers and peers fosters continuous improvement, helping each student develop their unique educational expression. Beginning in 4th grade, NWEA/MAP assessments provide valuable insights into individual progress, allowing teachers to tailor instruction and support every student in reaching their full potential.
Lower School
Practical Learning for Life
We use every resource at our disposal to make learning relevant, applicable, and impactful. At ULS, practical learning transcends traditional classroom boundaries, ensuring that students build the skills they need to reach whatever goals they set out to achieve in both career and life.
Lower School
Practical Learning for Life
Real World Learning
Hands-on projects challenge students to venture beyond their comfort zone, connect with the world beyond our walls, and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
Lower School
Practical Learning for Life
Cultivating Community
Harnessing students' natural curiosity, our teachers create dynamic learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. By bringing in experts - both virtually and in person - and connecting lessons to the broader community, they make learning relevant and impactful. These real-world connections help students master communication, engage with their community, build technical skills, and develop the confidence to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
The Liggett Approach in Action
The Liggett Approach adapts to every stage of development, fostering inquiry, creativity, and intellectual growth. Explore how it shapes students into independent thinkers and lifelong learners from their first day through graduation.
Explore the Liggett Approach at Every Stage