Lower School
Welcome Building Confident, Capable Lifelong Learners
Harford Day School’s Lower School builds confident, curious learners from the very beginning. Central to these early grades is fostering a love for learning and inquiry. Field Study opportunities in horticulture, marine biology, engineering, agriculture, and environmental science complement an academic program focused on the mastery of fundamental skills and learning to think critically. Teachers guide students through engaging lessons that spark exploration, strengthen essential literacy and math skills, and encourage independent thinking. With a balance of classroom learning and hands-on discovery, Lower School students develop the confidence and habits of mind that set them up for lasting success.
Our Accreditations A Legacy of Excellence
Harford Day School is the oldest Preschool through Eighth Grade School in Harford County accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland-DC Schools (AIMS), and member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). The Early Childhood, Extended Day and Summer Programs are further licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). We offer a range of schedule options, including extended day, and summer programs.
Our Foundation Mastering the Fundamentals of Language and Math
Reading fluency and comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, writing letters, sentences, and paragraphs are central to the Lower School experience, as learning to decode language is essential to success in all subjects. Similarly, students further discover their fluency in mathematics, mastering the foundational principles of arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Our Philosophy Giving Children Room to Think Independently
The teachers work together to provide a safe learning environment in which every child feels comfortable taking risks and learning from mistakes. Students are given many opportunities to practice positive decision-making strategies in academic and social settings. The goal is to create a supportive atmosphere that enables all students to reach their potential and transition to Middle School ready to face challenges, think independently, make wise decisions, respect others’ opinions, and feel comfortable in their own skin.
Classes
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Kindergarten
As the children grow and develop, the Kindergarten program is the first step toward Lower School with longer class times in all subjects. Classes are planned to promote focus, balance seated work with movement, and encourage group interaction
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1st Grade
A warm, joyful atmosphere greets First Graders as they take on new academic challenges and responsibilities. Building strong reading skills and foundational math knowledge is a central focus of the First Grade curriculum. Students participate in hands-on, action-oriented projects that create authentic and lasting learning experiences.
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2nd Grade
In second grade students build upon and broaden their basic skills and use them to meet new challenges encountered each day. Students’ reading skills and knowledge are broadened through the exploration of short stories and children’s literature.
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3rd Grade
In third grade children become more responsible and independent. They enjoy cooperative learning activities and group projects. Learning to read shifts to reading to learn in third grade. Students leave third grade with a wealth of knowledge about their country and the world around them.
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4th Grade
Fourth grade is focused on applying skills learned in the primary years and acquiring effective study habits, including management of materials and personal responsibilities. Curiosity, an essential skill for critical thinking and success, is fostered through inquiry based lessons across the curriculum.
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5th Grade
As the leaders of the Lower School, fifth grade is a transitional year, personally and academically. The intermediate teachers help students navigate this time of rapid physical, mental, and emotional growth.
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