![Ideas Flow in Lower School Design Day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1670360395/germantownacademy/nf4wwe13bvv0bzsopl8c/LSDesignDay2022-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1670360395/germantownacademy/nf4wwe13bvv0bzsopl8c/LSDesignDay2022-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1670360395/germantownacademy/nf4wwe13bvv0bzsopl8c/LSDesignDay2022-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1670360395/germantownacademy/nf4wwe13bvv0bzsopl8c/LSDesignDay2022-1.jpg","width":1080}])
Health and Wellness as a curricular topic is in the air this season! Construction is coming along on the new Health and Wellness Center, and Director of Health and Wellness Dr. Leigh Serra P’24 ’28 used that theme for Lower School’s Design Day.
Sue Szczepkowski
Head of Lower School
Allison Sasson
Assistant Head of Lower School
Amanda Mitchell
Early Childhood Coordinator
Susan Fornicola
Assistant to the Head of Lower School
Amy Boorse
Lower School Administrative Assistant
Lower School Stories
Happy Fall Y'all! Lower School families gathered on the playground to celebrate the fall season at the annual LS Fall Fest. The event featured lots of fun fall activities.
![Germantown Academy Names John Bernhardt Varsity Baseball Coach]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1655837628/germantownacademy/fvsmcyi7wpklbvljsrwk/image03_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1655837628/germantownacademy/fvsmcyi7wpklbvljsrwk/image03_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1655837628/germantownacademy/fvsmcyi7wpklbvljsrwk/image03_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1655837628/germantownacademy/fvsmcyi7wpklbvljsrwk/image03_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1655837628/germantownacademy/fvsmcyi7wpklbvljsrwk/image03_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1655837628/germantownacademy/fvsmcyi7wpklbvljsrwk/image03_1.jpg","width":2110}])
Germantown Academy Director of Athletics and former Varsity Baseball Coach Tim Ginter has announced the hiring of John Bernhardt as the new Head Coach for Varsity Baseball. Bernhardt will also serve as an Associate Teacher in the Lower School.
The Lower School held its Final Assembly to honor the fourth and fifth grade's student achievements of the school year. The 76 members of the Class of 2029 will move across Connor Quad to Middle School this fall.
![Blue Team Wins 2022 Lower School Field Day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1653681174/germantownacademy/pgkjvmfiapjbzobruiza/LSparade004.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1653681174/germantownacademy/pgkjvmfiapjbzobruiza/LSparade004.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1653681174/germantownacademy/pgkjvmfiapjbzobruiza/LSparade004.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1653681174/germantownacademy/pgkjvmfiapjbzobruiza/LSparade004.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1653681174/germantownacademy/pgkjvmfiapjbzobruiza/LSparade004.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1653681174/germantownacademy/pgkjvmfiapjbzobruiza/LSparade004.jpg","width":2200}])
Lower School Field Day is one of Germantown Academy's longest and most cherished traditions. The annual event puts our Lower School students in the spotlight as they are cheered on by Middle School and Upper School students as they march out to Carey Stadium and compete in a variety of fun competitions before bleachers packed with parents and grandparents.
Welcome to Lower School!
PreKindergarten – 5th Grade
At Germantown Academy, we believe that learning is a life-long, collaborative process. Our talented and dedicated faculty are committed to helping curious students grow into thoughtful, caring, and engaged citizens in our world.
Our approach to teaching and learning is active, mission-driven, and team-oriented. We merge the developmental needs of young learners with our college-preparatory program in order to meet students where they are in an engaging, 21st century curriculum.
Together, we cultivate a climate for creative learning and build lives of character within our community. Excellence is growth that happens when students are engaged in meaningful experiences that provide a healthy challenge.
Innovative Programs
STEAM is a transdisciplinary approach to learning that engages student-driven ideas through guided inquiry, dialogue, and collaboration. Originally piloted with our 4th Grade classes, STEAM is now growing throughout the Lower School. Learn more about STEAM Studio
Design Thinking
Design Thinking is a five-step process that encourages students to think more deeply about the way they approach problem-solving and gives them an opportunity to practice risk-taking and failure. Learn more about Design Thinking
The Nature Program
The Nature Program at Germantown Academy helps the community to know and appreciate the environment, to understand why it should be protected, and to encourage teachers to explore the campus' abundant natural resources with their students. Learn more about the Nature Program
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning at GA, and the kids feel it! From visionary leadership to engaged teachers who are passionate about igniting young minds, GA radiates a dynamic energy throughout its campus.
An authentic dedication to the natural world sets GA apart, and outdoor learning spaces complement a program that balances traditional classroom learning with a 'get muddy, be creative, hands-on' approach that kids love.
The emphasis on collaboration, entrepreneurship, and global citizenship prepares children to meet the challenges of today's changing world. My boys are becoming confident, curious, creative and (most importantly) caring people, and they are excited about the opportunities ahead of them.
– Allison D., Chestnut Hill
Traditions
Mother Goose Show
As the first bulbs of spring flowers poke through the grass, our PreKindergarten students dress up and perform songs and skits based on their favorite characters from classic Mother Goose nursery rhymes.
Halloween Parade
Every year on October 31, the whole school community lines up around Connor Quad to cheer on the parade of costumed kids (and teachers!) from all grades of the Lower School.
Field Day
The Friday before Memorial Day, Team Red and Team Blue follow their captains out to the fields for a day of friendly competition. Students keep their Field Day colors throughout their tenure at GA and beyond.