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Growing Curiosity

Explore what makes the Lower School at PDS a thriving place.

Welcome to Lower School

Our youngest Panthers are joyful explorers who discover the world through play, meaningful connections, and moments of wonder that spark lifelong curiosity. In this video, you'll hear from Lower School students about their favorite projects, cherished memories, and the daily moments of discovery that make school a place they eagerly return to each morning. Every child's journey at PDS begins with wonder and builds toward confidence, and we can't wait to see how your child will shine!

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Saturday, October 3 starting at 10 a.m.
 

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Lower School Fun Facts Infographic

“Seeds, Bees, and Big Ideas”

PDS Perspectives Podcast

A living laboratory where curiosity sprouts and care takes root. In this episode, Julie chats with Pam Flory P'24, Lower School faculty member and resident garden guru, about how the PDS garden weaves hands-on discovery into everyday learning.

Highlights

ITP guest Christina Soontornvat speaking to lower school students
Imagine the Possibilities

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Imagine the Possibilities (ITP) is an annual school-wide program that helps bring authors, illustrators and poets to PDS to connect directly with students across disciplines and grade levels. Made possible through the John D. Wallace, Jr. ’78 Memorial Guest Artist Series Fund, these visiting artists engage with students through assemblies, presentations and workshops. ITP artists past and present are weaved into the Lower School experience all year long. 

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The STEAM Program

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Interdisciplinary STEAM projects strengthen skills of observation, inquiry and problem-solving. In our brand new Bartlett STEAM center, students explore robotics, coding, 3D design, community-oriented projects and more. State-of-the-art technology, tools and equipment are integrated seamlessly into all aspects of learning, while digital citizenship and the responsible use of technology are emphasized. Along the way, students learn to question, research, imagine, design, create, revise — and have fun!

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Lower school students raking leave for service learning
Service Learning

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Being community-minded at PDS goes beyond our campus and extends into the communities around us. In support of our mission to nurture the mind, body and character of each student, we build purposeful opportunities for students, faculty and staff across divisions to help address critical needs within local populations and in our own backyard. With these opportunities comes self-reflection, growth and an expanded capacity for empathy and understanding those around you.

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Sustainability and Environmental Education

4 / 5

Our organic garden, greenhouse and indoor and outdoor teaching kitchens provide hands-on, innovative and engaging opportunities to teach almost any subject — from science and math to humanities and art — while giving students the freedom to participate in the full cycle of food, from planting and tending to harvesting and cooking.

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ITP guest Christina Soontornvat speaking to lower school students
After-School Programs

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In the Lower School, opportunities for learning and for fun don't end when classes are over. After-school offerings are robust and include Stay and Play, a daily childcare program, along with after-school courses. A fun way for students to pursue a special interest beyond the offerings of the school curriculum, after-school courses include the Food and Garden Club, Design-Build Studio, Robot Fun, Imagination Guru, Ice Skating and much more.

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Curriculum

The Latest from the Great Road

    "Our family's journey to finding the right school led us to a place that exceeded all of our expectations. At PDS, we found not just a school but a community that shares our values and vision for our daughter's future."