Welcome from the
Head of Lower School

Dear Lower School Families,

Elementary School at St. Patrick’s Epsicopal Day School in Washington D.C. is divided into two divisions: Kindergarten to Grade 3 and Grades 4 and 5. 

The developmental span from Kindergarten to Grade 3 is a foundational period that shapes a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth. It is often characterized by students' reading progress, although their growth extends well beyond literacy. These years represent a critical time for building executive function, problem-solving abilities, and self-regulation skills, all of which lay the groundwork for future academic success. As students go from learning to read to reading to learn, they establish essential habits of mind, from sustained attention to emotional regulation. Children this age benefit from predictable routines, discovery and exploration, and social-emotional learning, all of which foster confidence. Cognitively, they begin to engage in more academic tasks while doing so in a program that honors them in the present. Relying on more hands-on and inquiry-based instructions allows these students to internalize structure while engaging deeply with academic exploration. Socially, children learn to understand their own emotions while nesting that understanding in a cooperative classroom setting, strengthening their ability to collaborate, communicate, and empathize. This all happens under the expert guidance of educators who know and understand this span of development. 

We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you during these important years. Together, we can nurture your child’s growth, curiosity, and joy in learning.

Best,
Sam Mason

Head of Lower School, Kindergarten to Grade 3