LOWER SCHOOL: KINDERGARTEN–GRADE 5

Lower School finds the best in all of our students by providing them with multifaceted classrooms and an instructional methodology that differs from traditional models. Our faculty members approach the teaching and learning process by identifying differences in children and finding their best learning styles. Teachers act as facilitators and enable students to be the center of the decision-making process. Classroom learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom and is rigorous, active, and engaging.

In the Lower School:

• Student learning profiles control instruction (readiness, interest, etc.).
• Assessment is diagnostic and ongoing.
• Multiple options and choices are common.
• Academics receive an interdisciplinary approach, curricular integration, and a thematic approach.
• Varied instructional arrangements are used on a regular basis.
• Integrated use of technologies enhance individual student learning.

In grades four and five, students have the opportunity to explore their interests and choose an elective or option. Electives are offered one day during their "specials" rotation and run throughout the school year. Students can choose to explore:

INNOVATION IN ACTION
The Innovation in Action elective course offers an exciting mix of robotics, coding, engineering, and electronics activities. This course encourages the development of skills like creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving. Children will learn how to build and code a robot, code a drone to complete a mission, create a 3D print to solve a problem, and design a hydraulic system, among other innovative activities! 

ROBOTICS AND CODING
This class will introduce students to the challenging world of VEX Robotics! Participation in robotics encourages development of 21st century skills, including collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. Students will learn to design, build, and code their VEX robot and then drive and code that robot to complete challenging missions. 

MIND LAB
Students in Mind Lab will play a variety of games from around the world. This course will teach students to think critically and plan moves strategically, while displaying good sportsmanship. These non-digitized games are designed to have students solve problems, plan, make decisions, and analyze tactics and strategies

TV PRODUCTION
Students will learn on-air presentation skills, including the fundamentals of producing, shooting, and editing videos to be live streamed on WUTV. They will also be introduced to the different aspects of a TV studio such as lighting, sound, and floor managing skills.        

WORLD LANGUAGE: SPANISH OR FRENCH
World language in the Lower School is part of the specials’ wheel rotation. Students in grades four and five may choose to study either Spanish or French. During this class, students are introduced to learning basic conversation in French or Spanish, as well as an introduction to the culture.

Children are naturally curious; this quickly becomes evident as one observes them interact with the world around them. Our Lower School students learn about science by doing science. Hands-on activities and carefully crafted experiments expose students to the scientific process of hypothesizing, classifying, comparing, making predictions, observing, and drawing conclusions.

Many of these concepts carry over into the Innovation Lab where students explore concepts of engineering, programming, robotics, and STEM skills through hands-on activities and experiential methods. Technology is naturally embedded into many activities in the Science and Innovation curriculum, as well as in their classrooms every day. Both lend themselves to guided and authentic discovery, building each student's interest in the evolving world in which we live.

The After School Activities program provides opportunities for students to pursue interests and talents beyond the regular school curriculum. This program supplements the daily experiences of NSU University School students by providing specialized instruction in a variety of areas weekday afternoons, between the hours of 3:30 and 4:30 pm, on a fee basis. Some classes include, but are not limited to:

• Art for Beginners
• Yoga and Mindfulness
• VEX Robotics
• Weaving
• Lego League Robotics Jr.
• Cooking Classes
• Curtanna
• Gymnastics and Tumbling
• Cheerleading
• Chess
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Ballet
• Hip Hop
• Musical Theatre

After care is also available from 3:15–5:45 pm at an extra charge.

Students in the Lower School have the opportunity to participate in a number of clubs and activities before, during, and after school.  They can also take active leadership roles in school through Student Government, Safety Patrol, and Make-a-Wish. 

• Art Club
• BCCTM (Math) Club
• Board Game Club
• Book Clubs
• Cajon Kids
• Fintastix Choir
• Innovation Club
• Intramurals
• K-Kids (Key Club)
• Robotics
• Shark Sounds (drums,. xylophones, and bucket drums)
• Spanish Club
• Spanish Club for Spanish Speakers
• Ukefins (ukulele band)
• WUTV

Students also have the ability to create new clubs based on their own personal interests!

• Book Fairs
• Career Day
• Cultural Unity Fair
• Field Day
• Grandparent's and Special Friend's Day
• International Celebration
• JA BizTown
• Junior Author Celebration
• Leadership Breakfast
• Literary Brunch
• Make-a-Wish Market
• People Fair
• Shark Tank Jr.
• Spelling Bee
• Theatrical Performances
• Utopia
• 50th Day of School Celebration and Sock Hop
• 100th Day of School Celebration

Q: How old does my child have to be to enroll in Kindergarten?

A: A child must be five years old by September 1 in order to be enrolled in Kindergarten.

Q: Do Kindergarten students have nap time?

A: No, Kindergarten students do not have rest/nap time.

Q: What kind of accommodations do you have for children who have learning disabilities?

A: The Learning Center (TLC) is a fee-based program available to students in NSU University School's Lower School, beginning in kindergarten. TLC teachers are experienced in teaching students who benefit from an added layer of support in reading, math, and/or writing. TLC provides students with a double-dose of instruction in the academic area of need, using research-verified instructional strategies in a small group setting. To read more about TLC, click here.

Students in grades 1–5 are eligible for our Bridges Program - an innovative, personalized, and technologically rich educational experience for students who have mild to moderate learning disabilities and average-to-gifted intelligence. For more information about Bridges, click here.

On top of these resources, teachers have regular meetings with parents to discuss the home/school partnership and educational outcomes.

Q: What is the average class size?

A: Each kindergarten class typically has 15–18 students and is also led by a teacher and teacher assistant.

Q: Do you have half-day options available?

A: Kindergarten students are required to attend classes for the entire school day, which begins at 8:15 am and dismisses at 3:15 pm.

Q: What are the benefits of an early start at NSU University School's Lower School?

A: More than 50 percent of our graduating seniors began their educational journey in Preschool or our Kindergarten program and are known as our "Lifers." They are often the highest achieving, most involved students in their class who form a strong, life-long support system at our school.

Click here for more information on why your child's education should begin at NSU University School and is worth the investment.

Q: Is lunch included in the cost of tuition?

A: Yes, lunch and snacks are included in the cost of tuition. We offer a variety of high quality, nutritious foods that fit all dietary needs. For more information on our all-inclusive lunch, click here.

If you have a question that was not addressed here, please reach out to uschooladmissions@nova.edu or 954-262-4506. If you are ready to begin the admissions process, click here.