ADMISSION CALENDAR ADMISSION OPEN HOUSES Preschool - 8th Grade Saturday, October 24, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Preschool - 8th Grade Sunday, January 10, 2010 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ECD Only Thursday, January 21, 2010 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. APPLICATION DEADLINE January 29, 2010 FINANCIAL AID DEADLINE January 29, 2010 FIRST ROUND OF DECISIONS MAILED: March 18, 2010 PLEASE CALL THE ADMISSION OFFICE AT 650-342-5436 ext.205 TO SCHEDULE A TOUR TOUR DATES: (8:15 - 10:00 a.m.) September 24 October 1, 8, 22 November 5, 12, 19 December 3, 10 January (2010) 7, 14, 21, 28

Lower School - Setting The Foundation

GRADES 1 - 4

Core Curriculum

Reading & Writing
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Spanish

Extended Curriculum
Library
Physical Education/Athletics
Religion
Computer Skills
Foreign Language (Spanish)
Art beginning in First Grade
Music beginning in Second Grade
Drama beginning in Third Grade


School Days

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 8:05 to 3:00, Wednesday - 9:00 to 3:00 (no chapel on late start Wednesday)

It is with a giant step that children in Kindergarten advance into the Lower School. Their development as life-long learners begins with a solid foundation in reading, writing, math, science and social studies, presented within a stimulating and enriched classroom environment. The small classes enable teachers and assistant teachers to reach out and get to know their young students; developing the vital personal relationships that support their academic and social development.

The St. Matthew's Lower School curriculum has been carefully designed to offer a progression of skill development, incorporating a range of teaching strategies and methods. Each trimester, parents and students receive assessments that reflect the student's progress (letter grades are not given until fifth grade), noting areas of strength and weakness. In addition to regular parent-teacher conferences, teachers are readily available to meet with parents and students to provide updates on a student's progress.

The Lower School years set a child's foundation for a life of learning by celebrating accomplishments, developing confidence and self-esteem, testing new skills, taking risks and learning to deal with failure as well as success.