At The Burlington School, we recognize that Lower School students learn in different ways and at different paces. Small classes allow teachers to know their students well, monitor their progress, and differentiate instruction through flexible grouping, targeted practice, and opportunities to explore topics in greater depth. Students build the academic skills, confidence, and independence that prepare them for Middle School, Upper School, and beyond. The Lower School is about more than academic success - we aim for whole-child development through character education and exciting opportunities that foster leadership and teamwork. Here, friendships are made, creativity blossoms and curiosity is piqued.

Preschool

Every academic lesson in our preschool is enhanced with hands-on activities. These stimulating learning experiences foster collaboration among students and make subject matter both meaningful and fun. As students are guided by passionate teachers, they learn to interact harmoniously with one another. Whenever possible, we introduce academic concepts through music, movement and interactive learning. Centers designed to develop motor skills, as well as frequent rotations of toys and books, keep students engaged. 

Kindergarten

Going to kindergarten is a big step for your child. During this critical year, he or she will build foundations for all future learning. The Burlington School provides a balance of academics and play, ensuring each student develops core proficiencies and discovers their unique skills and interests. In a truly nurturing environment, your child will gain a strong sense of self-confidence, while learning how to work in collaboration with others. The primary goal of our kindergarten program is to instill in every student a genuine love for learning that will carry them through Lower School, as well as their entire academic career. 

Core Subject Areas

Through project-based learning and technology integration, students are trained as 21st century learners. Lower School classrooms are highly interactive across every core subject area, including: 

• Mathematics

• Science

• Social Studies

• English

• Spanish

• Technology 

Making Connections Across Subjects

At The Burlington School, Lower School students explore ideas from more than one perspective. Teachers connect music, art, and drama with core academic subjects, giving students opportunities to revisit an idea through a different discipline. These connections deepen understanding, encourage creativity, and help students relate what they learn in the classroom to the world around them.

Areas of Focus

For students to be successful in the 21st century, we believe they must possess certain characteristics: 

• Critical Thinking: The ability to make objective evaluations in order to reach a conclusion or solve a problem.

• Creativity: The ability to use one’s imagination to create original ideas, and to express those ideas.

• Character: The development of moral qualities and healthy behaviors that foster success not only in school, but in society.

• Collaboration: The ability to work alongside others to accomplish a task and ultimately, to reach shared goals.

• Communication: The ability to express ideas effectively, and the ability to listen, understand and relate to others. 

At The Burlington School, every activity is centered on developing students who possess these skills and abilities. 

Program Highlights

• Small Classes and Differentiated Instruction. Small classes allow teachers to know their students well, recognize their strengths, and monitor their progress. Teachers use flexible groups, provide focused practice, and offer new challenges as students are ready.

• Reading and Writing. Small-group guided reading and literacy stations give students opportunities to practice reading skills with teacher support and on their own. Independent reading gives students time to explore books, while Writer’s Workshop helps them develop their ideas, revise their work, and share their writing.

• Connections Across Subjects. Music, art, and drama provide opportunities for students to explore ideas introduced in their academic classes. Interpreting a story through drama, for example, invites students to consider a character’s perspective and express that understanding in a new way.

• Hands-On Learning. Students build understanding through direct experience. Working with math materials, investigating questions, and solving problems with classmates give them opportunities to test ideas and explain their thinking.

• Intentional Use of Technology. Teachers choose digital tools when they serve a specific learning goal. Screen time is limited and paired with activities away from screens, preserving time for handwriting, reading, conversation, and hands-on exploration.

• Character and Community. The TBS pledge gives students a shared language for qualities such as friendship, empathy, and citizenship. Lower School meetings bring these themes to life, and students practice them each day by including others, taking responsibility for their choices, and contributing to their community. 

Discover More Today

Interested in learning more about The Burlington School? We invite you to contact us and schedule a campus tour today. Getting on campus is the best way to experience all we have to offer your family. We look forward to seeing you!