Welcome
Why Lowell?
Founded in 1965, Lowell School is a co-ed progressive pre-K through 8th grade school in Northwest Washington, DC. Our eight-acre campus is conveniently located next to historic Rock Creek Park and serves students ages 2½ to 14 in our Pre-Primary, Primary, and Middle schools.
Mission Statement
Lowell School equips children to think critically, engage purposefully, and live authentically.
Core Values
• Respect for Children
• Social Justice and Equity
• Partnership with Families
• Purposeful Academic Engagement
• Social Emotional Competency
At a Glance
• 49% of students identify as people of color
• 50+ zip codes represented by our students and faculty
• 320+ students in pre-K–8th grade
• Eight-acre campus situated across from Rock Creek Park, including large front field and Kalmia Creek
• Early drop-off begins at 7:30 am
• Campus includes
– Four science labs
– Three libraries
– Three art studios
– Heated indoor pool
– Outdoor learning spaces
– Maker space
– Recording studio
– Black box theatre
– Dance studio
– Three playground spaces and large gym
– Two outdoor amphitheaters
– Green roof
– Garden
Learning at Lowell
Our academic program is rooted in a fundamental understanding of the developmental stages of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. This informs everything we do and provides the foundation for our students to become highly motivated learners with a strong sense of selfworth and efficacy.
Lowell students:
• Develop critical and analytical thinking
• Participate in active collaboration
• Investigate multiple perspectives
• Ask questions and search for answers
• Have a strong sense of self
• Become leaders in their high schools and beyond
• Make a positive impact on their communities
Lowell teachers:
• Respect the individuality of each student
• Facilitate learning by promoting curiosity and problem-solving
• Teach understanding and skills through project-based learning
• Create classroom environments that encourage active participation
• Help students discover their passions and develop their voices
• Nurture student strengths
• Improve themselves through ongoing professional development
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
At Lowell, we strive to live our values by centering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).
In our curriculum, this looks like…
• Pre-Primary students engage in inquiry around ableism and design playground equipment for children with physical disabilities.
• Primary School classes research the Indigenous people who are stewards of the land where our school sits.
• Middle School students travel to Atlanta and Montgomery to learn firsthand about the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement for their Capstone Trip.
In our community, this looks like…
• The Middle School’s Black Girl Magic affinity group brings together Black girls with our faculty and staff.
• Parent affinity groups organize events in collaboration with the school, including the annual Multicultural Fair and monthly meetings in support of neurodivergent learners.
• Faculty and staff of color attend the National Association of Independent School’s (NAIS) People of Color Conference every year.
In leadership, this looks like…
• The director of DEIB is part of the senior administration team.
• The director of DEIB is part of nearly every committee, including the Primary School and Middle School Student Support Teams, facilities and operations, and admissions.
• Decision-making is approached through the lens of DEIB.
The Pre-K Through 8th-Grade Advantage
Decades of research indicate that children benefit from the pre-K through 8th grade school model. The data shows that students experience an increase in literacy skills and overall academic performance and a decrease in instances of bullying.
At Lowell, students are embraced by our caring school community, which allows them to enjoy the freedom of childhood and adolescence. With the immediate pressures of high school removed, students grow and progress in an environment centered on their developmental needs, with programs, facilities, and resources designed to help them unleash their creativity and broaden their intellectual curiosity.
Students make their voices heard and advance their leadership skills in every school division at Lowell. We know that even very young children can practice these skills and have meaningful opportunities to develop them at an early age.
Pre-Primary School Program Highlights
Lowell’s Pre-Primary School celebrates children as learners, taps into their natural curiosity, and scaffolds social-emotional learning and Kindergarten readiness skills. Hands-on and project-based, the program embraces an emergent curriculum and a play-based, child-centered approach. Teachers listen to students’ interests and guide lessons to engage them in the learning process while achieving developmental milestones. Each day is designed to encourage students to be active participants in their learning, share about themselves, voice their ideas, and ask questions. Lowell’s Pre-Primary School focuses on the whole child.
• The program is designed for children aged 2
• Each day starts with a Morning Meeting, where students greet their friends and teachers.
• Students participate in a daily division-wide Singing Meeting to which families and friends are invited.
• Weekly, students participate in a variety of specialized classes, including art, dance, library, music, physical education, Spanish, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics).
• Students regularly spend time outdoors in their playground, on the Front Field, or across the street in Rock Creek Park.
• Students are partnered with an older “buddy group” from the Primary School; buddy groups meet on a monthly basis.
• Classroom newsletters detailing activities, photos, and important announcements and reminders are shared each week.
• Parent/guardian-teacher conferences are held in October and March; progress reports are shared in March and June.
Sample Schedule
Primary School Program Highlights
Students in the Primary School (Kindergarten–5th grade) are seen as unique individuals and members of their classroom and grade-level communities. Our teachers work with students in small instructional groups that meet their needs as learners.
• Every day begins with a morning meeting grounded in a responsive classroom curriculum.
• Each day, students participate in reading, math, language arts, and social studies, as well as two recess/break periods, which include multiple grades.
• Weekly, students engage in a rotation of specialized classes, including art, dance, drama, library/technology, music, physical education (twice per week for Kindergarten and once per week for 1st–5th grade), swimming (once per week for 1st–5th grade), science, SEL (social-emotional learning), and Spanish.
• Students are partnered with a younger or older “buddy group” from Pre-Primary or Middle School; buddy groups meet on a monthly basis.
• Homework is assigned in some grades based on developmental levels, gradually increasing as students advance.
• Classroom newsletters are shared each week detailing activities, photos, and important announcements and reminders.
• Parent/guardian-teacher conferences are held in October and March; progress reports are shared in March and June.
Sample Schedule
Middle School Program Highlights
Students in Middle School are empowered to grow into their best selves, identify their academic strengths and goals, and make a positive impact in their classes, communities, and beyond. Teachers tailor classroom experiences so students are challenged and supported in applying their learning in creative and practical ways.
• Every day starts with a Delta period, facilitated by a teacher, that includes time to build community, problem-solve, and plan for the day.
• The school day is made up of a rotation of 50-minute classes, including math, language arts, science, social studies, Spanish, and arts (visual, performing, or communications).
• Each day, students have two 30-minute breaks (to eat and spend indoors or outside as the student chooses).
• Weekly, students have four study hall periods, a rotating grade-level seminar, an elective course, and a required PE class.
– Seminars include Foundations of Middle School, Research and Presentation Skills, Speech and Communications, Public Speaking and Interviews, High School Admissions and Preparation, Digital Citizenship, and Health and Wellness.
– Elective examples have included Book Club, Climate Club, Comic Book Design, Debate, Dungeons and Dragons, and Yoga and Meditation.
• Homework is assigned, providing students with reflection, practice, and preparation opportunities.
• Grade-level newsletters are shared monthly detailing class activities and important announcements and reminders.
• Parent/guardian-teacher conferences are held in October and March; progress reports are shared in December, March, and June.
High School Admissions
The Head of School, Middle School Division Director, and other staff support families throughout the high school admissions process, providing advice on school choices, helping to prepare for interviews and essays, writing recommendations, and communicating with schools.
Sample Schedule
Athletics and Enrichment
Athletics
Lowell’s no-cut athletics program helps students develop new skills, confidence, and leadership outside the classroom. The focus is on each sport’s fundamentals, embracing the importance of practice and discipline as essential aspects of participation. Practices are held during and after school, depending on age. Teams play regularly against other schools or focus on scrimmaging against one another, depending on age and skill level. Lowell fully supports students participating in athletics based on the gender with which they identify. Leopards participate in the following sports, with availability based on student interest:
• Seasonal
– Cross Country (4th–8th grade, co-ed)
– Soccer (4th–5th and 6th–8th grade, boys and girls)
– Basketball (4th–5th and 6th–8th grade, boys and girls)
– Swim (5th–8th grade, co-ed)
– Baseball (6th–8th grade, co-ed)
– Lacrosse (6th–8th grade, girls)
– Track and Field (Kindergarten–5th and 6th–8th grade, co-ed)
– Ultimate Frisbee (6th–8th grade, co-ed)
• Year-Round
Community Swim Team (ages 7–11 and 11–18; open to children from the neighborhood and surrounding community)*
After School*
Families’ busy lives sometimes require a little scheduling flexibility, and students’ energy, excitement, and desire to learn don’t stop when the bell rings in the afternoon. Lowell offers a variety of options to meet these needs.
• After Care
– End of the school day through 6 pm
– Available Monday through Friday or any combination of days
– Drop-in care available
– Discounted rates for care between the end of the school day and the start of an after-school activity (e.g., basketball practice or music lessons)
• Minicourses
– Once-per-week classes
– Typically eight-week sessions, four sessions per year
– Sample topics: babysitting, crafts, coding, creative writing, dance, and yoga
* Additional fees required
• Music
– Private and small group lessons
– Ensembles (based on demand and skill level)
• Swim Lessons
– Ages 3 and older
– Year-round
– Group or private/semi-private lessons
– Open swim times
• Break Camps
– Camps available during Winter and Spring Breaks
– Sample activities: cooking projects, field trips, picnics, arts and crafts, and sports
Our Community
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1, 3 The annual Book Fair celebrates our love for reading and raises money to expand the book selection available in our three fantastic libraries.
2 Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math are the stars at Lowell’s STEAMfest. Lowell families and community members enjoy dozens of hands-on experiments and activities, including those created by students.
4, 5 The Fall Bazaar is one of our favorite school-wide events. With food, games, rides, and art activities, families, alumni, neighbors, and staff always enjoy the sunny autumn day organized by the Lowell Parent Community.
6 After-school music education at Lowell includes private lessons, group lessons, and ensembles. All participants have a chance to perform twice a year at the winter and spring music festivals. Pop bands with participants as young as fourth grade are always crowd favorites!
7 The annual Multicultural and International Fair, led by the Lowell Parents of Students of Color, allows families to share their cultural heritage through food, exhibits, and demonstrations.
8, 9 Dance class is a unique hallmark of the Lowell school day, with weekly classes through 5th grade and optional electives in Middle School. Students delight in showing off their fancy footwork at a Dance Showcase each spring it’s always a full house!
Bus service is available in the mornings and afternoons. Routes are adjusted year to year to best serve families. Registration is open yearround, pending availability. Drop-in service is also pending availability.
Lowellschool.org/bus
Lowell partners with Wholesome Foods to provide a convenient lunch service.
Lowellschool.org/lunch
Christine McDaniels Admissions Associate
General Questions admissions@lowellschool.org
Financial Aid Questions financialaid@lowellschool.org
