Head of Lower School
Sue Szczepkowski
Lower School has the distinction of building the first layer of formal education in a child’s life. GA begins this journey, whose real destination is life-long learning, by acknowledging that each child has their own gifts.
Students are able to gain confidence and an understanding of themselves, their strengths and their weaknesses, which leads to an understanding and appreciation of others in their community.
We believe that active participation leads to discovery, creativity and internalization. The basic skills of reading, writing and mathematics are the principal work in all classrooms and as proficiency develops, these skills become tools and strategies to gain knowledge and a passion for learning.
Although you would not be required to wear a hard hat, you might think of Lower School as a construction zone where students use their heads, hearts and hands to build understanding. We are practicing experiential learning every day. Whether it’s raising Monarch butterflies in Kindergarten, running a Colonial Market during 3rd Grade Colonial Day, or filming a documentary in 5th Grade, GA’s Lower School students are actively engaged in their own learning. We watch our students become better problem solvers as they reflect on, and then apply the skills and concepts they have mastered during hands-on activities. It is a philosophy based on true understanding rather than simple knowledge transfer.
We believe in the importance of social interaction, self direction and self discipline within a curriculum that has been developed by the faculty. While this experienced and committed faculty is mindful of national standards, it sets high expectations for educating the whole child by creating a balance of educating for personal growth, achievement, self expression, and character.
Lower School is a special place where children are treasured and nurtured. Faculty acknowledge that there is a special goal which is embedded in GA’s mission, and that is to lay a solid educational foundation for our young learners’ futures.
Sue Szczepkowski
Head of Lower School