Lower School

Kindergarten to Fourth Grade

At Dutchess Day School, our lower school is built for how children really learn: by doing, exploring, and growing in small, supportive classrooms full of books, materials, and room to think. From kindergarten through 4th grade, students build a strong foundation in reading, writing, and math with a special focus on joyful, confident literacy. Our reading program uses the PAF method (Phonics, Articulation, and Fluency), a structured, multisensory approach that helps every child become a strong, confident reader, especially in small groups where they get the attention they need.

In writing workshop, students don’t just learn grammar, they write poetry, stories, and personal pieces, then revise and share them with pride. Math is taught as a living subject, with real-world connections and hands-on tools that make concepts stick. And every grade dives into a social studies theme through projects, field trips, and creative work.

Starting in kindergarten, students begin science with hands-on exploration, learning to ask questions, test ideas, and think like scientists. They also start Spanish and French in our lower school.

Beyond the classroom, students head to the science lab, art studio, music room, gym, and library, and outside to the pond, gardens, and woods, where they write poetry, run experiments, and read under the trees.

It’s a hands-on, connected education where every child is known, and every day is a chance to grow.

“The curriculum sets a strong foundation in reading, writing, and mathematics and provides rich experiences in the arts, science and technology, and physical education.”

Grow : Foundational Academics
With joyful curiosity and gentle challenge, students build strong academic roots through daily discovery, hands-on learning, and caring relationships.

Learning to Read: PAF & Small Group Instruction
Using the research-based PAF program and intimate, intentionally facilitated reading groups, students become confident, independent readers at their own pace.

Express: Public Speaking & Class Projects
From the Tomb Room to Early Settlers Day, our young students learn to speak clearly, share knowledge, and celebrate their development.

Play: Hands-On Math
With a Singapore-Math inspired approach, students explore numbers through manipulatives, problem-solving, and play while developing deep mathematical thinking from the start.

Connect: World Languages
Beginning in Kindergarten, students joyfully engage in intentional exposure to both French and Spanish, opening hearts and minds to the world around them.

Create: Handwriting & Cursive
Students take pride in their written voice by building fine motor skills, focus, and artistry through handwriting and cursive instruction.

Discover: Field Trips & Real-World Learning
Whether at a local farm, museum, or Cary Institute, our students connect classroom concepts with the wider world helping to foster wonder and perspective.

Belong: Classroom Culture & Character
Rooted in kindness and respect, every Lower School classroom nurtures a sense of belonging where students are known, valued, and empowered to grow through joy.

Inspire: Specials

Art, library, music, physical education, and technology aren’t extras, they are essential. Woven into our mission-driven curriculum, these specials nurture creativity, wellness, curiosity, and confidence in every child.

DDS Lower School from Dutchess Day School on Vimeo.

Lower School

Kindergarten to Fourth Grade

“The curriculum sets a strong foundation in reading, writing, and mathematics and provides rich experiences in the arts, science and technology, and physical education.”

Open House – Discover. Connect. Belong.

Come See What Makes DDS So Special

Open House : December 5, 2026 : Register Today