At Wichita Collegiate Lower School what we teach is important, but the way in which we teach sets us apart. Our experienced, master teachers share a passion for unlocking each child’s potential. Students learn to be independent, problem-solving thinkers. Our new state-of-the-art facilities encourage active learning for our integrated curriculum. Explore our one-of-a-kind Lower School Science Lab. Watch your child blossom in the fine arts, performing with confidence in the many programs and concerts for all students. See the world open up in front of their eyes. Feel the excitement surrounding projects in which young minds become completely immersed. Traditional instruction is combined with lessons on values, community service, manners, finance, economics, interpersonal-relationship skills, and encouragement in making good life choices. Even at the elementary level, the Collegiate, college preparatory curriculum is preparing your child for academic success at every level.

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Reading — Our goal for first grade students is to become independent and fluent readers with a thirst for knowledge through quality literature. Students participate daily in an intense phonics series as well as receive exposure to a wide variety of trade books. Regular lessons on grammar and many varied writing opportunities round out the reading program.

Math — Our Everyday Mathematics series was developed by The University of Chicago School of Mathematics Project. The goal of the primary program is for students to discover problem-solving strategies and apply mathematical concepts. A variety of manipulatives and a hands-on approach help students reach this goal.

Social Studies — Thematic units are used to integrate all areas of our curriculum. To enhance the development of citizenship skills, students focus on six virtues of living happy, productive and quality lives: respect, responsibility, courage, honesty, friendship and helping others.

Special Activities — We begin our year with a study of United States' symbols and the history of our flag. Throughout the year, as students create art, they learn about the lives of famous artists such as Monet. Students also present monthly book reports. In the fall, we celebrate Oktoberfest with activities that enhance our weekly German language lessons. We also host a parent picnic where parents are invited to eat with their children over the lunch period and connect with other families. To learn about other cultures, we invite our parents to visit our classrooms to talk about ways they celebrate holidays such as Ramadan, Hanukkah, Christmas, Chinese New Year, etc. Students enjoy our annual tour of Intrust Bank where they learn about money and the many services offered such as safety deposit boxes and foreign currency. Our Sunflower Celebration concludes our unit on the State of Kansas and includes a variety of activities in which our students participate as they rotate from classroom to classroom. An evening activity, the Imagination Celebration, is an opportunity for parents to participate with their children in numerous activities that encourage thinking and reasoning skills. A Japanese Festival concludes our study of the culture and language of Japan. Each spring, students conduct a series of snack sales to benefit the adoption of an animal at the Sedgwick County Zoo. Students present the money they have earned during a field trip to the zoo, which includes a learning lecture in the zoo's education center.

Reading — Second Grade continues with the Open Court Reading Series that integrates reading, writing and grammar. Phonetic and spelling skills are continued and enhanced by the phonics program. First semester reading genre include fables, non-fiction animals, fairy tales, folk tales, tall tales, and mysteries. Second semester reading includes trade books (over 40 titles), used to support and enhance the American history curriculum. Popular children’s authors and illustrators are highlighted each month: Tomie de Paola, Jan Brett, Marc Brown, and more. Writing activities include experience stories, essays, an ABC book, and an original research paper.

Math — Everyday Mathematics, developed by The University of Chicago School of Mathematics Project, takes advantage of your children’s rich store of mathematical understanding, information, and creativity by integrating mathematics instruction into other curricular areas. We find that this curriculum challenges our students at the highest level and helps them develop good problem-solving skills, computation skills, and number relationship skills.

Social Studies — The heart of second grade social studies is found in a combination of American history and geography. Materials from the Nystrom Company include state-of-the-art maps, globes, teaching posters, and student maps. An exciting journey into the formation of the United States begins with the study of Native Americans and continues through Colonialization, Westward Expansion, the Civil War, and Immigration. Students conclude their learning with a celebration of American heroes from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Holidays and cultural celebrations, famous Kansans, and current events are also important units in the social studies curriculum.

Special Activities — Throughout the year, second graders travel to the Exotic Animal Farm, One-Room School House at Cowtown, Kansas Humane Society, local theatre productions,  the Wichita Art Museum, and the Molarama as presented by the Dental Auxiliary. Our recycling project is school wide and we collect aluminum cans year round. Funds raised in this service program benefit the Kansas Humane Society. Each May the students perform in costume in our “Salute to America” program to celebrate their yearlong study of U.S. History.

Reading and Social Studies — Third grade focuses on an integrated curriculum using various novels, McMillan English and McDougal Littell Spelling texts, and Nystrom maps and globes. This exciting study allows us to travel through time and space with units on Me as a Third Grader, Ancient Egypt, Coming to America, The Depression: an Economic Study, Country Research 101, History of Space Exploration, and Early Wichita.

Mathematics — The Mathematics program is the revised edition of Everyday Mathematics from the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. In this program children “do mathematics.” We expect that children will want to share their enthusiasm for the mathematics activities they do in school with members of their families.

Special Activities — Third graders enjoy exciting field trips to the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, Exploration Place, and Cowtown’s One-Room Schoolhouse. International Day wraps up our “trip around the world” with a costumed play including songs, games, and dances. Our unit on the Depression is anything but depressing! We celebrate with a birthday party enjoying depression punch (water) and war cake (no eggs); games such as bingo, Scrabble and yo-yos; and we shine shoes as a service. The Drainage Ditch Festival is a student-oriented festival about Wichita that mirrors the Wichita River Festival. A highlight of the spring semester is a two-day trip to the Kirkpatrick Science Museum in Oklahoma City. To raise funds for trips and community service projects, we set up a G-rated Haunted House and open up the Greasy Spoon Restaurant for visitors. One important service project is to record books on tape for the visually impaired in the  “Eyes for Others” program. Third graders can also be found ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Christmas.

Reading — The fourth grade takes a “novel” approach to literature reading several different novels throughout the year. These include The Wide and Lonesome Prairie, Mrs. Frisbee and the Rats of NIMH, Because of Winn Dixie, and Castle in the Attic. These are enhanced by the use of cross-curricular activities generated by the teachers. In addition to these novels, the fourth grade reading curriculum begins each term with selections that vary from year to year; for example, short research projects involving dogs, penguins, and most recently, The Seven Wonders of Sassafrs Springs.

Language — Grammar, writing and spelling skills are taught through accelerated editions of both the Houghton Mifflin grammar and English texts and Wordly Wise. Daily oral language exercises are also used to reinforce basic skills. Students regularly enhance their writing skills through creative writing projects and book reports.

Mathematics — Everyday Mathematics continues to be the primary source for motivating young mathematicians. It incorporates cooperative learning, practice through games, yearlong projects, home/school partnership, and informal and formal assessments. Teacher created materials are used to reinforce basic skills and review computation skills.

Social Studies — Fourth graders learn more about their country through the Silver Burdett Regions and Resources Textbook as well as a study of Kansas history. Map skills are taught using different resources throughout the year.

Special Activities — Fourth graders form the Penguin Production Company and generate profits through sno-cone sales to support various community service projects. Each year, a puppy joins the classrooms for a school year to be “socialized” and prepared for further training as a service dog. This year, students will plan, produce and perform a production and broadcast it as a vodcast (video podcast). A trip to the state capitol culminates the study of Kansas history and government. Fourth graders take other field trips to enhance their curriculum. The year culminates with an overnight field trip to Rock Springs.

Science — All grades in Lower School attend science in a separate classroom lab with a special science teacher. The program emphasizes process learning with hands-on experimentation. Students spend two to three class periods weekly exploring and expanding their knowledge of physical, earth, and life sciences, and enjoy several exciting field trips. The science curriculum includes exposure to many kinds of animals. Many students also take advantage of the Young Astronauts After-School Science Program.

Foreign Language — Twice a week, 1st and 2nd graders attend German Class, and 3rd and 4th graders attend French Class. In a program emphasizing listening, comprehension, and speaking skills, the children are introduced to the sounds of German and French using basic vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Students gain increased awareness of cultural similarities and differences through acquaintance with children’s rhymes, songs and stories, and the comparison of customs, holidays, school, and everyday life.

Music — Twice weekly, students meet in a performance-based vocal music class. They sing at special concerts and assemblies throughout the year. Other performing opportunities include Magical Choir (1st-4th), Girl Choir (4th-6th), and Boy Choir (1st-8th).

Art — Students meet weekly to learn basic drawing skills, elements and principles of art and design, and art history. As many different mediums of art as possible (clay, tempera paints, watercolor, oil pastels) are introduced. Special museum field trips and workshops with local artists supplement this wonderful program.

P.E. — Through activities that involve fine and gross motor development, hand-eye coordination, fitness, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and body strength, students have opportunities to improve physical abilities. They participate in individual and team games, cooperative activities, and inclusion activities that reinforce classroom work. Favorite events include Jump Rope for Heart, Field Day, and the Dr. Seuss Fun Run.

Library — Students meet weekly to learn basic library skills and both read and hear wonderful stories. Reading incentive programs and the Young Authors Conference help reinforce the value of reading for information and pleasure.

Computer — First and second graders meet weekly to learn basic keyboarding and mouse skills and work on projects related to classroom activities. Third and fourth graders meet twice weekly to build keyboarding skills, learn proper internet and email etiquette, discover internet research secrets, and gain experience in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Front Page.

Positive Steps — Students meet weekly to reinforce the virtues of treating others with consideration, respect, honesty, and understanding; manners are the tools used to accomplish this with confidence.

Kid’s Club is an extended day program for children in preschool through Grade 4. Before-school care is free, and is offered from 7:15 a.m. - 7:40 a.m. After that time, children are escorted to class. There is a nominal charge of $3.50/hr for the after-school program. The after-school program is in session from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m., and from 7:45 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. when regular classes are not in session. Parents are billed monthly for the after-school program.