Our students grow as readers, writers, mathematicians, creators, friends, and leaders. They learn in a community where they are known, supported, and inspired to ask questions, embrace challenges, and take pride in their growth. Every day, students build essential skills in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and Spanish while exploring ideas through the arts, environmental education, innovation, movement, and hands-on experiences. Guided by exceptional teachers who know each child well, students develop the confidence, character, and curiosity that prepare them for Middle School—and a lifetime of learning.
A strong foundation in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and Spanish through engaging, inquiry-based learning.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
From the Abess Center for Environmental Science to outdoor learning and the Comprehensive Outdoor Education Program, students discover the world by exploring it.
Innovation Starts Early
Students design, build, code, create, and problem-solve in the Garner Center for Innovation using robotics, makerspaces, 3D design, and emerging technologies.
Specialists Every Week
Art • Music • Physical Education • Spanish • Innovation • Environmental Learning
Every Child Is Known
Small learning communities, Morning Meeting, Closing Circle, and caring teachers help every student build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.
Leadership Begins in Lower School
Students practice leadership every day through service, collaboration, community traditions, and Grade 5 leadership opportunities rooted in the MCDS Core Values.
Purposeful Learning
Students learn across classrooms, gardens, innovation labs, playgrounds, outdoor spaces, and environmental learning centers, turning the entire campus into a place for exploration.
By the Numbers
6
Different enrichment classes for students
16
Languages are represented across Lower School
7
Learning specialists supporting differentiated instruction in classrooms
200-300
Minutes of Spanish instruction embedded in the schedule
3
garden spaces for hands-on learning in ACES
A Welcome Message from SHANA LINDSEY, Lower School Director, Strategic Initiatives
“I believe the best schools are communities where children and adults thrive together. My leadership is grounded in listening deeply, building shared purpose, and creating the conditions for talented educators to do their best work in teaching students. I bring curiosity, warmth, and high expectations to building communities where people belong, learning is joyful and ambitious, and children are known, challenged, and inspired to discover their highest potential. I call Miami Country Day School my “pinch myself place” because I am able to work with such talented educators and leaders. As Head of Lower School and Director of Strategic Initiatives at Miami Country Day School, I invest my time working with faculty, deepening learning practices, and implementing strategy. My work has advanced teaching and learning, faculty leadership and development, school design, interdisciplinary learning, and innovation. Across these efforts, my approach is consistent: begin with mission and the needs of children, engage the expertise of educators, use research and evidence to inform decisions, and translate shared vision into meaningful experiences for students. I bring more than two decades of experience in education and previously served for eight years as Head of Lower School and Director of Academics PK–8 at Chapin School in Princeton, New Jersey. A continual learner myself, I have pursued advanced study through Harvard Project Zero, the Center for Transformational Teaching and Learning, NAIS, and Leadership + Design, and have presented to educational leaders on organizational change, teacher growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and school design. I earned my Ed.M. in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, and my B.A. from Carroll University.”
Academic excellence in the Lower School is built on curiosity, challenge, and joyful discovery. Every lesson is thoughtfully designed to help students think deeply, communicate clearly, solve problems creatively, and grow with confidence. Through engaging instruction, hands-on experiences, and meaningful relationships with exceptional teachers, students develop the knowledge, skills, and habits that prepare them for success in Middle School and beyond.
From mastering the fundamentals of reading, writing, and mathematics to exploring science, language, technology, and the arts, Lower School students are encouraged to ask questions, take academic risks, and discover the excitement of learning every day. This commitment to purposeful, experiential learning reflects the Country Day Way and lays the foundation for lifelong success.
Literacy
Literacy
Students become confident readers, thoughtful writers, and effective communicators through a structured literacy program grounded in the Science of Reading. They build fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and speaking skills while learning to think critically, support ideas with evidence, and express themselves with confidence.
Highlights:
Science of Reading
Reading & Writing Workshop
Speaking & Listening
Vocabulary & Grammar
Critical Thinking
Mathematics
Mathematics
Students develop strong mathematical thinking through inquiry, problem-solving, and real-world application. They build number sense, reasoning, perseverance, and confidence as they explore concepts, test strategies, and solve meaningful challenges.
Highlights:
Problem Solving
Mathematical Reasoning
Inquiry-Based Learning
Engineering Connections
Real-World Applications
Science & Innovation
Science & Innovation
Students explore the natural world through hands-on investigations, outdoor learning, and environmental science. In the Garner Center for Innovation, they apply design thinking through coding, robotics, engineering, and creative problem-solving.
Highlights:
Hands-On Investigations
Environmental Learning
Robotics & Coding
Design Thinking
Outdoor Exploration
Social Studies
Social Studies
Students explore history, geography, economics, and citizenship while discovering how people, places, and cultures shape our world. Along the way, they gain a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and their role as engaged global citizens.
Highlights:
History & Geography
Civic Responsibility
Cultural Perspectives
Global Citizenship
Community Connections
Spanish
Spanish
Beginning in Grade 1, students strengthen their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while building an appreciation for language and culture. Differentiated instruction helps every learner grow in confidence and communicate with an increasingly global perspective.
Highlights:
Beginning in Grade 1
Differentiated Instruction
Language & Culture
Communication Skills
Global Perspective
Beyond the Homeroom
Every day brings new opportunities to explore, create, perform, move, and discover. Learning in the Lower School extends far beyond the homeroom. Through weekly enrichment experiences, students develop new skills, uncover their passions, and make meaningful connections across disciplines. Whether they’re creating art, performing music, exploring nature, designing in the Garner Center for Innovation, or building confidence through movement, every experience is intentionally designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and joyful learning.
Art
Create. Imagine. Express.
Music
Find your rhythm. Find your voice.
Wellness
Move with purpose. Play with confidence.
ACES Environmental Learning
Learning in nature. Caring for our world.
Garner Center for Innovation
Imagine. Design. Build.
The Rhythm of a Lower School Day
Meaningful Learning
Building strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and Spanish.
Creative Exploration
Expressing ideas through art, music, innovation, and hands-on learning.
Active Discovery
Learning outdoors, exploring nature, moving, and playing.
Community & Belonging
Morning Meeting, Community Bleacher Time, collaboration, and friendship.
Reflection & Growth
Students end each day by celebrating accomplishments, reflecting on their learning, and looking ahead with confidence.
Every Child is Known
“Every child deserves to be known, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.”
A community where students are seen, supported, challenged, and inspired to grow. At the heart of the Lower School is a simple belief: every child deserves to be known, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Teachers build meaningful relationships with each student, creating classrooms where children feel confident asking questions, taking academic risks, and discovering their strengths.
Through personalized instruction, small-group learning, and consistent classroom routines, students build independence, confidence, and the skills they need to thrive. Just as importantly, they learn to collaborate, communicate effectively, solve problems, advocate for themselves, and care for others. Guided by the MCDS Core Values of purpose, honor, respect, compassion, and wisdom, students grow into thoughtful, responsible members of the school community.
Growing confident leaders with character and purpose.
Leadership is woven into everyday life in the Lower School. Students discover that making a difference begins with kindness, responsibility, empathy, and the confidence to do what is right. Through daily interactions and meaningful opportunities to serve others, they learn that leadership is about making a positive impact on their community. By fifth grade, students embrace leadership in meaningful ways. They welcome younger students through the Buddy Program, serve as Morning Greeters, model the MCDS Core Values, and help create a community where everyone feels valued, included, and supported. These experiences inspire students to lead with empathy, serve with purpose, and make a positive difference every day.
Signature Lower School Experiences
Traditions that inspire, connect, and create lasting memories. A Lower School education is filled with moments students look forward to year after year. From spirited competitions and performances to celebrations and hands-on learning, these shared experiences build confidence, strengthen friendships, and create memories that last long after fifth grade.
Supporting every child’s academic, social, and emotional growth.
A child’s success is built on more than academics. In the Lower School, students are supported through caring relationships, intentional classroom routines, Morning Meetings, Closing Circles, physical education, recess, and daily opportunities to build healthy friendships. Together, these experiences help students develop confidence, resilience, empathy, and the skills to thrive both in and out of the classroom. When additional support is needed, our Student Success Network partners with teachers and families to provide personalized academic support, counseling, and learning services that help every child reach their full potential. Because every student learns differently, we are committed to ensuring each child feels supported, encouraged, and empowered to succeed.
Student Success Network
Counseling
Learning Support
Social-Emotional Learning
Recess & Play
After-School Opportunities
Whether students are exploring a new interest, building a new skill, or enjoying time with friends, Lower School offers a variety of after-school opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. From robotics and aquatics to clubs, competitions, and extended care, students can discover new passions in a safe, familiar, and engaging environment. Clubs are offered Monday through Friday and are led by experienced instructors. Extended Day provides supervised care until 6:00 p.m. on regular school days, giving families flexible options while students continue learning, creating, and having fun.
Students explore new interests through a wide variety of after-school clubs and enrichment opportunities.
Extended Day
A safe, supervised environment where students continue learning, playing, and connecting after school.
Math Olympiad
Students strengthen mathematical thinking through engaging challenges and friendly competition.
Grades 1-5 DNA Strands
From first through fifth grade, students continue to deepen their understanding of identity, human diversity, empathy, fairness, and advocacy. The strands invite students to use their voices, make thoughtful choices, consider different perspectives, and take action as upstanders within their communities and the wider world.
Students practice listening to and appreciating the stories of others, recognizing that every person’s experiences help shape who they are as they deepen their understanding of families and cultural traditions with confidence and respect.
Students consider how their words, choices, and actions affect others. Building on their developing sense of fairness, they learn to contribute positively to their communities through cooperation, responsibility, kindness, and belonging.
Students expand their understanding of the world and recognize that people have different perspectives, experiences, cultures, and ways of life. They deepen curiosity, openness, and respect while considering their responsibilities as members of a diverse global community.
Students strengthen their capacity for empathy by considering experiences and perspectives different from their own. They learn to listen thoughtfully, challenge assumptions, and respond to others with understanding and compassion.
Students explore how they can use their voices, knowledge, and actions to promote dignity, equity, belonging, and justice. They recognize their responsibility to be upstanders for themselves and others and contribute to positive change.
Building the confidence, character, and skills for the journey ahead
By the end of fifth grade, Lower School students are prepared for an exciting next step in their Miami Country Day journey. They leave with a strong academic foundation, growing independence, confidence in their voice, and a deep sense of belonging within the school community. Along the way, students become thoughtful readers, confident writers, creative problem-solvers, curious scientists, global communicators, and compassionate
leaders. They learn to think critically, collaborate with others, embrace new challenges, and approach learning with purpose and curiosity. More than anything, they leave the Lower School ready to thrive in Middle School, equipped with the knowledge, character, and confidence to continue discovering their full potential.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
The Step-Up Ceremony is one of the Lower School’s most meaningful traditions. Surrounded by teachers, classmates, and families, fifth-grade students celebrate how far they have come while looking ahead to the opportunities and adventures that await in Middle School. It is a joyful celebration of growth, friendship, accomplishment, and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
