Welcome to the Lower School

Detroit Country Day Lower School meets the learning, social and emotional needs of growing children by anticipating developing needs and providing an early advantage right from the start.

Learning is a natural activity at this age, and Detroit Country Day is the natural place for the awakening of the mind, body and spirit. In our early childhood environment, classes are offered with an integrated, enriched curriculum. Along with basic instruction in reading and mathematics, the children enjoy French, keyboard, computer instruction, art, music, science, library and physical education. Each of these uses instructional methods that are interesting, challenging and innovative.

Throughout our educational program for these early years, your child also is learning responsibility, independence and social skills while interacting with peers in play within the school community.

Lower School teachers nurture your child in a warm, loving environment. With the cooperation and trust of parents, dedicated faculty plan a learning program that builds a foundation for school success.

A variety of instructional methods range from unstructured play to structured academic experiences. A multidisciplinary approach involving visual, kinesthetic and auditory experiences is used to enhance learning opportunities and to allow for individual differences in processing information. We encourage children to be creative, responsible and independent thinkers. The school dress policy contributes to an environment that reflects our belief that children learn best within an atmosphere demonstrating appropriate decorum. We hold self-esteem in high regard and work to promote a supportive social and emotional environment, both in school and at home.

Our faculty is dedicated to meeting the needs of the whole child and developing character through exposure to time-honored values.

The goals of the Lower School are to develop:

• self-esteem and mutual respect
• a well-rounded child with basic instruction in mathematics, reading, communication skills, science, foreign language, social studies and the fine and performing arts
• an enthusiasm for learning
• social, physical and intellectual awareness and responsibility
• a mentally resourceful child who demonstrates the physical confidence and skills to  successfully transition into any competitive sport or dance program
• an awareness of health and safety principles
• each child to the best of his or her ability
• a feeling of pride in appearance and appropriate behavior

The school admits students regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, height, weight or disability.