Lower School
Lower School

Lower School

Students at our elementary school in Lake Mary (Grades PK – 5) thrive in a safe, nurturing, and academically rigorous environment where strong foundations are built for lifelong success. Grounded in meaningful relationships and a close-knit community, our whole-child approach supports each student’s academic, social, and emotional growth while encouraging them to explore opportunities, build confidence, and develop a love of learning from the very start.

Our curriculum

At our elementary school in Orlando, FL, students grow academically, socially, and emotionally through a Cognia-accredited curriculum and a nurturing environment. They build strong foundational skills, develop confidence and character, and become curious, capable learners.

Language Arts

Discovering worlds through words

Students build strong foundations in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while fostering a lifelong love of literacy. In a text-rich environment, students strengthen phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension through whole-group, guided, and independent reading, with differentiated instruction to support every learner.

Primary students also benefit from the Orton-Gillingham approach, using sight, sound, touch, and movement to make meaningful connections between language, letters, and words.

Through a reading and writing workshop model, students learn to think critically about literature and express their ideas with growing clarity, creativity, and precision, supported by individual conferences that help each child grow in skill and confidence.

Language Arts

Mathematics

Developing logical thinking

Students develop confidence and curiosity in Mathematics through a concept- and inquiry-based approach that emphasizes deep understanding over rote memorization. Through hands-on learning, real-world applications, rich discussion, and purposeful problem-solving tasks, students explore key areas such as number sense, operations, geometry, measurement, data, and algebraic thinking.

At each grade level, they discover patterns, make connections, ask questions, and develop flexible strategies, while teachers guide learning through open-ended exploration and meaningful reflection.

This approach not only builds strong mathematical foundations, but also nurtures perseverance, precision, and the ability to communicate mathematical thinking clearly and confidently.

Mathematics

Science

Exploring the world through inquiry and discovery

Using Picture Perfect Science, an NGSS-aligned, cross-curricular program, students build scientific understanding through rich literature, hands-on investigation, and real-world exploration. As they learn, students develop essential skills such as designing solutions, analyzing and interpreting data, engaging in evidence-based argument, and communicating information clearly.

Through student-led, problem-based learning opportunities, they apply critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity to demonstrate their understanding and grow as confident young scientists.

Science

Social Studies

Fostering values through reflection and understanding

Students build a strong understanding of Social Studies through an engaging program centered on global awareness, American history, geography, economics, civics, and government. Guided by the C3 Framework, they explore democratic ideals, communities, and the people who have shaped our world through cooperative learning experiences such as mapping, graphing, role play, read-alouds, and primary source analysis.

Through storytelling, authentic texts, literature, and historical inquiry, students learn to ask thoughtful questions, examine different perspectives, and make meaningful connections between the past and the present.

Social Studies

Physical Education

Ensuring physical wellbeing

In the primary grades, students develop essential movement skills and confidence through activities that prepare them to participate successfully in team settings, while intermediate students apply and strengthen those skills through a variety of sports with an emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, and active participation.

Through every stage, students grow in coordination, collaboration, and healthy habits, preparing them for future involvement in Lake Mary Preparatory School’s athletic programs and a lifetime of physical wellbeing.

Physical Education

Art

Enhancing creativity

Students explore Art as a vibrant form of creativity, self-expression, and discovery through hands-on experiences with clay, papier-mâché, chalk, oil pastels, paint, fiber arts, and glass. As they work with a wide range of materials and techniques, learners develop their understanding of the elements of art, including shape, line, color, texture, value, space, and form.

Students also engage with art history by learning about influential artists and drawing inspiration from their styles and methods, becoming creators themselves in the process. Through this rich artistic journey, students build confidence, express their individuality, and come to value the uniqueness of their own work.

Art

Think Tank

Developing design thinking

Lower School students develop creativity, critical thinking, and confidence in Think Tank, a dynamic design thinking class for Kindergarten through Grade 5. Inspired by the creative problem-solving approach of Odyssey of the Mind, the program challenges students to explore coding, logic, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving strategies in engaging, hands-on ways.

As they learn to think flexibly, work with others, and approach challenges with curiosity and imagination, learners build the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Think Tank

Music

Discovering musical languages

Students explore music through singing, movement, creative expression, instruments, and performance, while developing rhythm, pitch, beat, tone, and concert etiquette. In Grades 1 – 3 they explore Violin, learning foundational string skills, rhythm and pitch through ensemble performance. In Grades 4 – 5 they move to Choir, developing vocal technique and musicianship through singing in unison and in parts across a variety of genres and time periods.

Additional elective options for Grades 4 – 5 include:

  • Orchestra - continuing string education through violin, viola, or cello while building notation reading, musical independence, and advanced technique
  • Theater - building creativity, expression, focus, and stage presence through theatre games, movement, character work, and performance
  • Band - introducing instrumental performance and music theory through flute, saxophone, clarinet, trombone, trumpet, and percussion.
Music

Spanish

Learning a world language

Lower School students begin their multilingual journey by discovering the basis of Spanish. Through engaging and active classes, students build early language skills and global awareness in a culturally rich environment shaped by songs, stories, games, activities, and authentic literature.

Spanish

Library

Enhancing literacy skills

In the Library, students cultivate a lifelong love of reading and strengthen information literacy through storytelling, book discussions, author visits, book fairs, and book clubs that connect them with a wide range of authors, genres, and series.

Library

A typical day in our Lower School

As one of the best elementary schools in Orlando, each day brings a balance of hands-on learning, discovery, and joyful engagement. Daily schedules differ across PreK to Grade 5.

Core learning pillars

Lower School students thrive in a caring and stimulating environment where they build core academic knowledge, life competencies, and a global mindset.

  • Academic achievement

    Academic achievement

    Enjoy personalized learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills, and understanding.
  • Life competencies

    Life competencies

    Gain essential life skills to thrive inside and outside the classroom.
  • Multilingualism

    Multilingualism

    Foster language skills and build confidence, with support in the students' home or first languages.
  • Grade-level trip opportunities

    Grade-level trip opportunities

    Try skill-building programs and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership.

Learning in action

LMP Parents

We love Lake Mary prep because it provides a safe and caring environment with a strong academic support to our children.

LMP Parents

Lower School resources

New to Lake Mary Prep?

Start with the essential documents selected for families joining our community for the first time.

4 documents available. 3 documents for the Academics category 1 document for the Forms category

Essential documents for new families are highlighted below.

Lower School handbook

Recommended for new families Academics

LS curriculum guide

Recommended for new families Academics

Violin rental agreement

Forms

Lower School supply list

Academics

When to enroll?

At Lake Mary Preparatory School, families can apply to join our Lower School community at any point during the school year. Our Admissions team is here to help you choose the best start date and support a smooth, confident transition for every new student.

Inquire now

Build strong academic, social, and emotional foundations at Lake Mary Preparatory School through our inquiry-based curriculum.

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Accreditations