Lower School
Program
The Lower School curriculum encourages students to take greater ownership of their learning. Through purposeful instruction, they build strong skills in reading, writing, and math while learning to think critically, collaborate effectively, and communicate clearly. Thoughtfully designed interdisciplinary projects help them make connections across subjects and relate their learning to the world around them.
As students advance through the grades, their academic work becomes more intentional and focused. They learn to plan, share, reflect, and revise their ideas. Along the way, they discover that effort, clear goals, feedback, and curiosity drive growth—and that their thinking can inspire meaningful change in their lives, classrooms, and communities.
How we teach
Proven techniques for teaching reading are used, including phonics in grades 1 and 2 to strengthen their reading muscles. Comprehension practice is taught in small groups, and one on one. Students read books at their own level and are assisted by teachers to progress as they become independent readers.
Students learn the process of writing, identifying their audience, purpose, and having a plan for their pieces. They learn different writing styles, including narrative writing, descriptive writing, expository writing, and persuasive writing, including reports, speeches, and presentations. Students also focus on spelling and writing mechanics.
The Singapore Math program helps students develop fluency and a deep conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts and how to use concepts to solve problems. They are well prepared for a pre-algebra course when they graduate from 5th grade.
Science and social studies concepts are taught through the school’s signature approach to learning for purpose through identifying problems, finding solutions, and taking action. They learn through inquiry, research, experimentation, and meeting with experts, and then take what they learned to design and develop projects that further their interests of what they learned. Learning about electricity not only involves building circuits and wiring handmade houses, it also involves their learning about alternative forms of energy and how they can be used to help the sustainability of the planet.
A unit on the human body may result in re-designing city hall to make it more friendly to people with disabilities. A unit on city planning may result in creating a model city that has multiple green spaces for cleaner air and gathering places for community.
Enrichment
Students grow skills in basic conversation and vocabulary, and by 5th grade are able to read simple books and have conversations.
Exploring different techniques and materials, emphasizing the process of creating as well as the product.
Students apply their knowledge of rhythm, melody, and reading music to grow as singers and instrumentalists (mallet instruments, recorders, ukelele, and piano.
Structured games and activities that teach sportsmanship, cooperation, and healthy movement habits.
Exploring topics like nutrition, mindfulness, and staying active to help students see how personal choices affect well-being.
Students gain skills with digital tools for creating and presenting work, learn to use fabrication machinery such as drills, laser cutters, and 3-D printers, and gain foundational skills in coding and design thinking.
Every Lower School student participates in our annual musical, building confidence and experiencing the joy of being part of something larger.
Frequent trips to the neighborhood library and reading with younger students build strong reading habits and leadership.
Two breaks every day to play, build social skills, and practice fairness and inclusion.
Visiting museums, nature centers, and city landmarks and meeting with experts using buses or public transportation to see real-life examples of what they study.
Quaker values become an integral part of daily discussions and choices. Younger students learn to solve conflicts with words and listening, while older students study how early Quakers lived by their principles. Class meetings and reflection times help students understand how fairness and responsibility work in real life, and encourage them to consider how their actions can demonstrate compassion and integrity every day.
“Frankford Friends students are immersed in an environment where we truly value and embrace community. Everything our students do in the classroom, whether it be Project-Based Learning, math, or writing is approached with a mindset and purpose of serving the community and advocating for social justice.”
