Lower School
ACADEMICS
Lower School
Attending a smaller classical Christian school for lower school offers numerous benefits that foster a nurturing and enriching educational environment. With smaller class sizes, students receive personalized attention from teachers, allowing for tailored instruction that meets individual learning needs. This close-knit community encourages meaningful relationships among students, fostering collaboration and friendship in a supportive atmosphere. Additionally, the integration of classical education emphasizes critical thinking, language mastery, and a strong moral foundation, equipping young learners with essential skills for lifelong learning. The emphasis on Christian values not only shapes academic growth but also nurtures character development, instilling a sense of purpose and community in students as they embark on their educational journey.
Grammar Phase
The grammar phase of the trivium, typically encompassing the early years of a child’s education, focuses on building a strong foundation of knowledge in various subjects. During this stage, students are immersed in the basics of language, mathematics, history, and science, emphasizing memorization and the absorption of facts. This phase leverages young children’s natural aptitude for learning through repetition and rhyme, laying the groundwork for future critical thinking and analysis. By mastering the fundamental elements of each subject, students in the grammar phase acquire the essential tools needed to progress to the more advanced stages of the trivium: logic and rhetoric.
Logic Phase
The logic phase of the trivium, typically undertaken during middle school years, emphasizes the development of critical thinking and analytical skills. In this stage, students learn to understand the relationships between different pieces of information they acquired during the grammar phase. They are introduced to formal logic, argumentation, and reasoning, enabling them to analyze arguments, identify fallacies, and construct coherent, logical arguments of their own. This phase nurtures a deeper comprehension of subjects by encouraging students to ask “why” and “how” questions, fostering an environment where they learn to connect facts and think independently. The logic phase prepares students for the final stage of the trivium, rhetoric, where they will refine their communication and persuasion skills.
Highlights of Lower School at Coram Deo Classical School
Field Trips
Field trips at Coram Deo offer unique opportunities for students to explore the world through the lens of faith and knowledge, deepening their understanding of both God’s creation and their classical education. These excursions are carefully chosen to align with the curriculum, enhancing students’ learning in subjects like history, science, literature, and the arts. Visits to museums, historical landmarks, nature reserves, and cultural sites bring lessons to life, allowing students to connect classroom ideas with real-world experiences. With a focus on cultivating wonder, wisdom, and virtue, field trips provide a hands-on approach to learning that nurtures students’ curiosity and reinforces their role as thoughtful, engaged learners guided by Christian principles.
Grandparent Day
Grandparents’ Day at Coram Deo is a cherished tradition that honors the special role grandparents play in students’ lives and celebrates the bonds between generations. On this day, grandparents are invited to experience the school community firsthand, often joining their grandchildren in classrooms, attending chapel, and engaging in special activities. The event may include student performances, such as recitations, hymns, or plays, showcasing the values and learning embraced by the school. It’s a day filled with love, gratitude, and respect, providing grandparents a glimpse into the spiritual and educational growth of their grandchildren. Grandparents’ Day not only strengthens family connections but also reinforces the importance of a supportive, faith-centered community in the education and development of students.
Science/History Fair
A Science and History Fair at Coram Deo is an exciting event that showcases students’ research, creativity, and understanding of God’s world and its history. This fair provides a platform for students to present projects that explore scientific principles or delve into historical events, figures, and cultures. Guided by a classical approach, students often connect their projects to larger themes of discovery, ethics, and the impact of history or science on society. Through hands-on experimentation, thoughtful research, and engaging presentations, students develop critical thinking, public speaking skills, and a sense of wonder for the world. This event also brings families and the school community together to celebrate students’ accomplishments, reinforcing a love for learning that is both academic and faith-driven.
Fine Art Nights
Fine Art Nights at Coram Deo are treasured events that celebrate students’ artistic and musical talents while emphasizing the beauty of creativity as a gift from God. These evenings provide a stage for students to showcase their hard work in visual arts, drama, and choir, often featuring a combination of choral performances, instrumental music, theatrical presentations, and art displays. Rooted in the classical tradition, the selection of pieces may include classical compositions, hymns, and literary works, all chosen to inspire reflection on truth, beauty, and virtue. Families, friends, and faculty gather to support students and appreciate the depth of their artistic expression, creating a community celebration that honors both individual talents and shared values. Fine Art Nights are not only a display of skill but a reminder of the joy and purpose in using gifts to uplift others and glorify God.
Contact Us
Jan Storey is the current Vice Principal of the Lower School. Please feel free to reach out to her with any questions or concerns.