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Lower Elementary

The Experience of Lower Elementary

Grades 1st and 2nd

Our Philosophy

At Echo Horizon School, the Lower Elementary program features our 1st and 2nd grade classrooms and programming tailored to children ages 7 - 9. Our Lower Elementary explorers engage in the Echo Horizon School “best of both worlds” educational philosophy through a dynamic mix of challenging foundational academic practices and curiosity driven real-world learning experiences. During this developmental time, students are eager to engage their rapidly developing cognitive abilities with their naturally imaginative and playful points of view.

Our Goals

  • To build strong foundational literacy and math skills through targeted and explicit instruction. Our curricular programs, including UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute), Dimensions Singapore Math and Writers Workshop, provide engaging and challenging daily learning for our rapidly developing 1st and 2nd graders.

 

  • To provide enriching real-world experiences through field trips, events, and interdisciplinary learning connected to our Social Studies, Science and Specialists curriculum. We foster joyful learning and personal discovery with opportunities for public speaking, experiential projects and off campus exploration. Our Global Arts and I² teachers collaborate with Lower Elementary classrooms for a deep dive into themes and units through an interdisciplinary lens.

 

  • To nurture a love of learning by valuing curiosity and multiple approaches to learning. We support students in connecting ideas and applying problem-solving strategies in all areas of learning (literacy, math, social studies and science) through small groups and differentiated instruction. We guide students to observe, gather information, practice and think critically.

 

  • To build a community of high care, high accountability where students take initiative and responsibility for their actions. We cultivate self-regulation and resilience through our Flourish program and restorative behavioral practices. We support students as they build strong relationships and develop tools for conflict resolution and repair. 

 

  • To celebrate the stories of our students and their families. Our Echo Center and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) programs ensure that students have a diverse learning environment that values different perspectives, promotes understanding and prioritizes inclusivity. 

 

  • To cultivate partnerships. We believe that consistent, compassionate, informed and ongoing communication can bring the best outcomes for all of the people in our community.

Jennie Willens

Director of Early Education and Lower Elementary and Assistant Head of School

Learning Environment

Our Lower Elementary spaces are designed to help young learners stretch, explore, and grow with confidence. Classrooms offer flexible seating that supports movement, choice, and focus, giving students the freedom to work in ways that feel comfortable and productive. Well-stocked classroom libraries are woven into daily learning, helping children develop strong reading habits and a genuine love of books. Students also spend meaningful time in our outdoor learning areas, where lessons come to life through exploration, collaboration, and real-world connections. Every space—indoors and out—is built to meet the needs of growing thinkers and to foster the independence, curiosity, and joy that define the Lower Elementary years.

We have been delighted to see that Echo truly is everything that it claims to be. As a parent, it means the world to me that my child is in a school where he feels joyful, free, and supported to be his authentic self. When we talk with teachers, we consistently hear how much they care about our son and are invested in his growth.

 

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Explore Our Lower Elementary Programs