Academics

The Quarry Lane Lower School has a curriculum that is carefully crafted to nurture the spirit and to stimulate the mind.  We believe in educating the whole child. Our driving mission is to create an atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning and nurtures each student to reach his or her fullest potential emotionally, socially, academically, and physically, in order to assume responsibility as a future citizen of the world.

Students begin their day with their core teacher who is responsible for instruction in literature, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. In addition to this core curriculum, students participate in a variety of “special “ courses, including music, physical education, Spanish, computer, art and Library.

In the subject areas of mathematics and reading, students are "grouped" with peers that share similar learning styles and levels so that instructors can accurately assess and assist each student.   

In order to expose our students to a variety of learning opportunities, all students in Jr. Kindergarten through fifth grade have the opportunity to enroll in enrichment programs on campus, such as chess, science, art and music classes.

All grade levels participate in field trips, as a part of the core curriculum, to enhance the educational experience. These trips give students an opportunity to make a stronger connection to their studies. For example, the fourth grade overnight trip to Coloma allows students to experience life in a gold mining camp. Fifth grade students venture to Sempervirens Outdoor Education School in the Santa Cruz Mountains for five days to explore the great outdoors, learn about environmental conservation and make a connection to their life science curriculum.