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Lower School (K-6)

Lower School(Grades K-6)

Lower School

The Lower School for K-6 students is situated at the Diamond Head end of the ‘Iolani campus.

The Lower School experience focuses on providing each student with individualized attention, encouragement, a sense of belonging, friendships, a variety of subjects and experiences, and the foundation for a love of learning throughout their lifetime.

The Lower School daily schedule follows a six-day cycle of A, B, C, D, E and F days. While Lower School encompasses kindergarten through sixth grade, the curriculum and schedule for each grade level is designed to be age-appropriate, maintain a low student-teacher ratio, and provide positive reinforcement to promote healthy self-concepts, respect and resourcefulness.

As students move up in grade level, academic, physical, social and spiritual development continues. Students engage in fulfilling activities, develop an awareness of empathy and compassion, and hone skills preparing them for their middle and high school grades. Measurements of growth are provided to parents on a regular basis. A dedicated and caring faculty works together to foster the whole child and provide students with opportunities to pursue their early interests.

 

Contact Info

Lower School Main Office:

  • Phone: (808) 943-2227 or (808) 943-2281
  • Fax: (808) 943-2390


Melanie Pfingsten
Dean of Lower School
Email: pfingsten@iolani.org

Natalie Hansen
Associate Dean of Lower School
Email: nhansen@iolani.org

Kindergarten to Grade 3

Subjects in these grades include language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and special courses. In language arts, students improve their ability to recognize letters and words, read aloud, and comprehend the written and spoken word. Higher-level skills such as predicting, summarizing and inferring are introduced and developed. Students learn to craft a piece of writing across three types: narrative, information and opinion. Students learn the purpose of each type of writing and build upon previously learned skills to strengthen their voice as an author. In mathematics, students learn numeral recognition and formation, number values and mathematical vocabulary. The curriculum reviews and expands skills and concepts in performing fundamental operations and problem-solving. The social studies curriculum aims to develop historians across four dimensions: developing questions and planning inquiries, applying disciplinary concepts and tools, evaluating sources and using evidence, and communicating conclusions and taking informed action. The science curriculum develops skills and concepts along four major domains: physical science, life science, Earth and space science, and engineering design.

Grades 4 to 6

These grade levels are departmentalized and students report to different teachers for their classes. Subjects in these grades also include language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, performing arts and special courses. In language arts, students learn how to read closely, make logical inferences, cite specific textual evidence, determine central ideas or themes, summarize key supporting details and ideas, and analyze story elements. Students continue learning how to craft a piece of writing across three types: narrative, information and opinion. In mathematics, students learn how to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them, reason abstractly and quantitatively, construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others, model with mathematics, use appropriate tools strategically, attend to precision, look for and make use of structure, and look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. The social studies curriculum aims to develop historians across four dimensions: developing questions and planning inquiries, applying disciplinary concepts and tools, evaluating sources and using evidence, and communicating conclusions and taking informed action. The science curriculum develops skills and concepts along four major domains: physical science, life science, Earth and space science, and engineering design.

Special Courses

In addition to the core subjects, ‘Iolani students in kindergarten through sixth grade attend several special courses, or “specials”, 1-2 times a cycle. Teachers of these special courses focus on specific areas and work with other teachers to foster a well-rounded educational experience that engages and inspires students. These teachers nurture children's innate curiosity while encouraging students to take risks to explore their creativity and wonder, learning to collaborate with others as they grow as a team. These specials include dance, music, religion, design & technology, art, physical education, and library.

Social & Emotional Support

There is a kindergarten through second-grade counselor, a grades three and four counselor, and a grades five and six counselor. Counselors provide individual support, teach age-appropriate guidance lessons for grade levels, and support ongoing team-building activities throughout the year. The Lower School Chaplain’s Office is also located in the Counseling Office where students and families may seek pastoral care. The Counseling Department also holds weekly meetings with ‘Iolani School’s Director of Social and Emotional Health as well as the Associate Dean to collaborate and plan ways to support students, faculty, parents and families.

Advisory Program

Starting in sixth grade, students participate in the Advisory Program, which connects every student to a faculty adviser and a supportive group of peers. The program's goals are to create safe opportunities for students to explore ethical, personal, social, emotional and academic issues to empower them as individuals within and beyond our community.

Performing Arts (grades 4-6)

To provide students with exposure to the performing arts, all fourth, fifth and sixth graders enroll in a course under the Performing Arts Department. The following are the elective options.

  • Band (grades 5 and 6) -- Students receive instruction on wind and percussion instruments.
  • Chorus (grades 4, 5 and 6) -- This group performs with the Upper School chorus as well as at several Lower School chapel services.
  • Contemporary Jazz Dance (grades 4, 5 and 6) -- Students perform in showcases and various venues.
  • Hula (grades 4, 5 and 6) -- The halau receives instruction from its kumu hula and participates in performances.
  • Musical Theatre (grade 6) -- This class offers students instruction in singing, dancing and acting as well as the opportunity to perform in an age-appropriate musical.
  • Orchestra (grades 4, 5 and 6) -- Students learn to play an orchestral stringed instrument and perform in programs.
  • Theatre (grade 6) -- This class places emphasis on acting and storytelling through movement, improvisation and playwriting exploration.

Lower School Library

The librarian works in partnership with classroom teachers to teach information retrieval, explore interdisciplinary units, and encourage the love of reading. Reference assistance is provided individually, as well as in regularly scheduled classes. Students may use the Upper School's Tsuzuki Group Library when the need arises. Parents are welcome to borrow from the “Parents’ Section” as well as the regular collection.

The Lower School Library welcomes donations through the “Birthday Book” program, which expands the collection.

  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Collection: 14,000 books, magazines and audiovisual resources.
  • Equipment: computers with Internet access.

 

Lower School Daily Schedule