• 401.884.9070

lower school

Caity MacDonald

Head of Lower School
cmacdonald@rockyhill.org

Welcome to Lower School! 

Throughout our Lower School, there is so much to celebrate. We believe that joyful learning begins with a sense of comfort and confidence — in ourselves, in each other, and in the environment that surrounds us. At Rocky Hill Country Day Lower School, academics and social-emotional learning work hand in hand, creating authentic moments of growth that go far beyond the classroom.

Each day, our talented and passionate faculty guide students toward meaningful, engaging, and enjoyable learning experiences. We encourage curiosity, foster resilience, and cultivate kindness, knowing that the lessons learned here shape not only capable students, but compassionate citizens.

I invite you to walk through our Lower School and let your senses lead the way. You will hear the buzz of lively discussions, see the spark of discovery in young eyes, and feel the warmth of a community that truly values every child. I am confident it will be a rewarding and joyous experience — just ask any of our students.

Best,
Caity MacDonald
Head of Lower School

READY TO EXPERIENCE ROCKY HILL COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL?
PRESCHOOL
Rocky Hill Country Day’s By-the-Bay Preschool serves the emotional, social, cognitive, creative, and physical needs of 3 to 5-year-old children. Our nurturing and safe environment encourages...
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GRADES K-2
Our Lower School enhances the academic and social-emotional environment that is most conducive to learning, development, and growth throughout the early childhood years...
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GRADES 3-5
Our students transition from the early childhood years to the intermediate elementary grades where they begin focusing on, and becoming more responsible for, the study skills needed to support their academic success...
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OUR PROGRAMS

VIRTUOSOS
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SERVICE LEARNING
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ENVIRO-ED PROGRAM
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MINDFULNESS
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PROJECT BASED
LEARNING
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RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM
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VIRTUOSOS
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MINDFULNESS
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SERVICE LEARNING
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ENVIRO-ED PROGRAM
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PROJECT BASED LEARNING
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RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM
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LEARNING SPACES

GRADES K–2

Our Lower School enhances the academic and social-emotional environment that is most conducive to learning, development, and growth throughout the early childhood years. The integrity of the kindergarten, first, and second grade programs ensure 

  • commitment to “knowing” each student, their strengths, areas of challenge, and potential through ongoing progress monitoring
  • formation of relevant foundational skills through developmentally appropriate “best practices”
  • opportunities for students to learn in flexible groups that foster modeling and collaborative learning with peers of the same and different ages, abilities, and interests to expand academic and social-emotional experiences

GRADES 3–5

Our students transition from the early childhood years to the intermediate elementary grades where they begin focusing on, and becoming more responsible for, the study skills needed to support their academic success. Having developed a stronger grasp of their learning styles, areas of interest, and social awareness, students

  • demonstrate a deeper understanding of our student competencies and the importance of our school values
  • think more critically, make deeper connections, and stretch themselves both socially and intellectually
  • are empowered to take on leadership roles within our Lower School community and serve as role models and mentors for our younger students

The 5th grade year serves as the culmination of the elementary school experience and begins the process of transitioning students into our Middle School.

VIRTUOSOS

Virtuoso classes offer Lower School students the opportunity to engage in science, art, music, physical education/health, world languages/cultures, and library, research, and digital citizenship experiences. The integration of these valuable subjects within grade-level curriculum extends the application of core academic skills such as literacy, math, and social studies. Virtuoso classes also allow our Lower School students to learn with other adults, explore individual interests, and master new skills.

SERVICE LEARNING

Through initiatives which offer meaningful real-world connections and problem-solving opportunities that benefit others, our Lower School students see first hand how their compassion, acquired knowledge through school curriculum, and confidence in what they are able to do make a positive impact on the world we share. With an understanding of the distinction between service learning and community service they demonstrate a more in-depth awareness of and appreciation for serving others.

ENVIRO-ED

Each year as part of our Environmental Education Program, students in the 5th grade integrate history and environmental science both on land and from the waters of the Green River to Narragansett Bay. Students kayak, camp overnight, and experience the benefits of our Rhode Island shoreline on and off campus as their outdoor classroom. Student engagement includes research, collaboration with classmates, and gaining enjoyment out of this environmental experience.

MINDFULNESS

The relationship between social-emotional development and academic learning go hand-in-hand to ensure the success of the whole child. At this young age, our Lower School students are embracing our daily commitment to mindfulness education which promotes an awareness of being “in the present moment”. Through our partnership with Resilient Kids, we have established a program that offers students the tools and their ability to access a sense of calm throughout their day.

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING

PBL is one approach that offers our students discussion and inquiry-based opportunities, while developing our Student Competencies, relevant academic skills, and content knowledge through real-world learning experiences. Through this approach, Lower School students are offered a voice and choices, time for reflection and collaboration with peers and teachers, and opportunities to explore solutions to real-world challenges.

RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM®

One of our main social-emotional learning approaches, Responsive Classroom® focuses on creating a joyful learning environment and building a strong sense of community.  Each Lower School class (Preschool-Grade 5) begins each day with a Morning Meeting where students gather with their classroom teacher to greet each other, share, engage in a team-building activity, with other aspects of the approach continuing throughout the school day. The progression of the Responsive Classroom® approach is intentional to allow students time to experience, process, and apply what they have learned in a natural way and have a positive lasting impact on the respect and compassion they demonstrate for themselves and others.

RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM

CONTACT US

If you have any questions, or would like to know more about Rocky Hill Country Day School, please fill out the form below.

Rocky Hill Country Day School

530 Ives Road
East Greenwich, RI 02818

Phone: 401.884.9070
Fax: 401.885.4985