In Grades 1–5, learning blossoms into discovery. Through inquiry, creativity, and collaboration, students build a strong academic foundation while developing independence and empathy. Each day offers opportunities to explore big ideas, solve problems, and connect learning to life—all within a caring community that celebrates curiosity and kindness.The Lower School experience at Carolina Day is rooted in teaching the foundational skills required for reading, writing, and math, then building and solidifying these skills through innovative and creative learning opportunities. Our thoughtful and dynamic curriculum asks students to apply skills in challenging ways through project-based learning and design thinking. This powerful approach is supported and enhanced by the spirit of joyful learning that our educators model in the classroom, inspiring a lifelong love for intellectual pursuit.

In addition to our robust academic curriculum, the Lower School experience includes a rich co-curricular program: Spanish, art, music, STEM, physical education, and library. Interdisciplinary teaching methods are used to reinforce learning goals across our curriculum. Equally important is the emphasis we place on the social and emotional growth of students, which is fostered through character development and service learning. In addition, Lower School leverages the principles and practices from Responsive Classroom and the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.

Educating the whole child in an environment that is nurturing and supportive is our priority.