Lower School
ACADEMICS
Lower School
Attending a smaller classical Christian school for lower school provides a nurturing environment with personalized instruction, thanks to smaller class sizes. Students form meaningful relationships in a close-knit, supportive community. Classical education emphasizes critical thinking, language mastery, and moral development, while Christian values foster character growth, purpose, and a strong sense of community.
Grammar Phase
The grammar phase of the Trivium, in early education, builds a strong knowledge foundation in language, math, history, and science through memorization and fact absorption. It taps into children’s natural ability to learn via repetition and rhyme, preparing them for the advanced logic and rhetoric stages.
Logic Phase
The logic phase of the Trivium, during middle school, develops critical thinking and analytical skills. Students build on grammar phase knowledge, learning formal logic, argumentation, and reasoning to analyze and construct coherent arguments. By asking “why” and “how”, they deepen understanding and foster independent thinking, preparing for the final rhetoric phase.
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.