60 Years of Progressive Education
Lowell School
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
History
In 1965, a group of dedicated families created an intentionally different educational experience for their children—one centering diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and respect for children. Over the last sixty years, unwavering in our commitment, we’ve grown from a small home-grown preschool to a nationally-respected and accredited independent school with over 300 students benefiting from our progressive education approach.
At a Glance
• 49% of students identify as people of color
• 50+ zip codes represented by students and faculty
• 315+ students from two-and-a-half years old through 8th grade
• Early drop-off begins at 7:30 am
• After Care runs until 6 pm
• Eight-acre campus situated across from Rock Creek Park, including:
– Four science labs
– Three libraries
– Two art studios
– Heated indoor pool
– Outdoor learning spaces
– Kalmia Creek
– Maker space
– Recording studio
– Black box theatre
– Dance studio
– Three playgrounds and a large gymnasium
– Outdoor amphitheater
– Green roof
– Solar panels on all buildings
– Planting gardens
Learning at Lowell
From students to parents to staff, Lowell is a community of engaged learners, constantly growing and seeking to improve.
Our academic program is research-based and rooted in an understanding of the developmental stages of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. This understanding informs everything we do and provides the foundation for our students to become intrinsically motivated learners with a strong sense of self-worth and efficacy.
Lowell students:
• Love to learn!
• Develop critical and analytical thinking skills
• Participate in active collaboration
• Investigate multiple perspectives
• Have a strong sense of self
• Become leaders in their high schools and beyond
Lowell teachers:
• Love to teach!
• Root their practice in research and data
• Respect the individuality of each student
• Teach academic skills through project-based learning
• Create classroom environments that encourage active participation
• Help students discover their passions and develop their voices
Lowell families:
• Love to engage!
• Serve as partners in their child’s education
• Share the school’s values around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Bring their expertise into the classroom
• Serve as partners in helping to build community
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 School students engage in inquiry around ableism and design playground equipment for children with physical disabilities.
• In 4th grade, students research the Indigenous people of the land occupied by Lowell and annually present a land acknowledgment to the community.
• In 7th grade, students travel to Atlanta and Montgomery to learn rsthand about the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement.
• All sta participate in professional development sessions on topics such as antiracism and neurodiversity.
In our community, this looks like…
• Primary and Middle School students are invited to take part in a variety of voluntary a nity groups that support connection and belonging.
• Parent a nity groups organize events in collaboration with the school, including our annual Multicultural Fair and monthly meetings in support of neurodivergent learners.
• Faculty and sta engage in professional development around cultural competency, such as SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity).
In leadership, this looks like…
• e director of DEIB is part of the senior administration team.
• e director of DEIB is an active member of multiple committees, including the Student Support Teams, Admissions, and Curriculum Development.
• Decisions are made through the lens of DEIB.
The Pre-K Through 8th-Grade Advantage
Research
Decades of research indicate that children bene t from the Pre-K through 8th-grade school model. e data shows that students who attend an academic program that ends in 8th grade experience an increase in literacy skills and overall academic performance, and a decrease in bullying.
Our students are embraced by a 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.
Lowell students make their voices heard and advance their leadership skills at all ages. We know that even very young children can practice these skills and have meaningful opportunities to develop them.
High School Placement
In the spring of their 7th-grade year, Lowell students and their families formally begin preparing for the high school admissions process. Lowell administrators lead students through an eight-month process including workshops, test and interview prep, and essay and email writing classes. is is an exciting time for our students to re ect on themselves as learners and identify the schools and academic programs that will best serve them in the next phase of their development.
Our head of school talks with admission directors throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia to advocate for our students.
Pre-Primary School Program Highlights
Lowell’s Pre-Primary School celebrates children as learners, nurtures their natural curiosity, and supports their social-emotional growth, all in preparation for Kindergarten. Our hands-on projectbased program embraces an emergent curriculum and a play-based, child-centered approach. Teachers listen to students’ interests and guide lessons to engage them in learning while achieving developmental milestones. Each day is designed to encourage students to be active participants in their learning.
• e program is designed for children aged two-and-a-half to pre-Kindergarten.
• Each day starts with a Morning Meeting, where students greet their friends and teachers and prepare for the day ahead.
• Daily, students participate in a division-wide Singing Meeting, a joyful community gathering where the community sings songs together and builds connections. Families and friends are invited to attend.
• 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).
• Monthly, students engage in activities with an older “buddy group” from our Primary School.
• Students spend time outdoors in their specially designed playground, or on the school’s Front Field.
• Weekly, teachers send classroom newsletters detailing activities, photos, important announcements, and reminders.
• Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences occur in October and March; families receive progress reports in February and June.
Sample Schedule
Primary School Program Highlights
Lowell’s Primary School (Kindergarten–5th grade) students are valued as unique individuals and community members. Our teachers work with students in small instructional groups that meet their individual 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 two recess periods.
• Weekly, students engage in a rotation of specialized classes, including art, dance, drama, library/tech, music, PE, swimming, science, social-emotional learning (SEL), and Spanish.
• Monthly, students engage in activities with a younger or older “buddy group” from Pre-Primary or Middle School.
• Homework begins in 2nd grade and gradually increases as students advance developmentally.
• Weekly, teachers send classroom newsletters detailing activities, photos, important announcements, and reminders.
• Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences occur in October and March; families receive progress reports in February and June.
Sample Schedule
Middle School Program Highlights
Lowell’s Middle School students are empowered to grow into their best selves, identify their academic strengths and goals, and positively impact their classes, communities, and beyond. Teachers tailor classroom experiences so students are challenged and supported in applying their learning in creative and practical ways.
High School Placement
• Every day starts with a Delta period, facilitated by a teacher, that includes time to build community, problem-solve, and plan for the day.
Our head of school, Middle School division director, and other dedicated staff support families throughout the high school admissions process, providing advice on school choices, helping to prepare for interviews and essay writing, and liaising with schools.
• e school day consists of a rotation of 50-minute classes, including math, language arts, science, social studies, Spanish, and visual, performing, or communications arts.
• Each day, students have two 30-minute breaks to eat and spend time indoors or outside as the student chooses.
• Weekly, students have three study hall periods, a rotating grade-level seminar, an elective course, and a required PE class.
• Homework is assigned, providing students with re ection, practice, and preparation opportunities.
• Grade-level newsletters are shared monthly, detailing class activities and important announcements.
• Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences occur in October and March; families receive progress reports in December, March, and June.
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 occur during and after school, depending on age. Lowell Leopards 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.
• 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)
– Track and Field (Kindergarten–5th and 6th–8th grade, co-ed)
– Baseball (6th–8th grade, co-ed)
– Lacrosse (6th–8th grade, girls)
– Ultimate Frisbee (6th–8th grade, co-ed) as interest allows
• 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 at dismissal time. Lowell offers a variety of options to meet these needs.
• After Care
– End of the school day through 6 pm
– Available Monday through Friday
– Drop-in care available
– Complimentary childcare while families are in a Parent/Guardian-Teacher conference
• Minicourses
– Once-per-week
– Eight to twelve-week sessions, three to four sessions per year
– Sample classes: babysitting, crafts, coding, creative writing, dance, and yoga
* Additional fees required
• Music
– Private and small group lessons, open to the public
– Ensembles and bands (based on demand and skill level)
• Swim Lessons
– Ages three and older
– Group or private/semi-private lessons
– Open swim times
– Year-round, open to the public
• Break Camps
– Camps are available during Winter and Spring Breaks
– Sample activities: cooking projects, field trips, picnics, arts and crafts, and sports
Our Community
1 The Book Fair celebrates our love for reading and raises money to support our three fantastic libraries.
2 Grandguests and Special Friends Day is a joyful opportunity for students to share their Lowell experience with the special people in their lives.
3 Teachers host performances and curriculum share events to help families immerse themselves in their child’s learning.
4 From solar panels to annual cleanup days, sustainability is an important part of life at Lowell.
5 Dance is a unique hallmark of the Lowell experience, including regular performances for the community.
6 The Fall Bazaar, filled with food, games, rides, and activities for our families, alums, and neighbors, is a favorite school-wide event.
7 We hold an annual fundraising event called the Fête.
8 After-school music education is a popular enrichment opportunity, with students taking private and group lessons, participating in bands and ensembles, and performing throughout the year.
9 The Multicultural and International Fair allows families to share their cultural heritage through food, exhibits, and demonstrations.
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