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Lower School
Lower School (Grades K-5)
Where Creativity Meets Capability
In our Lower School, curiosity meets capability in an environment designed for young minds to flourish. Students in kindergarten through sixth grade experience
learning as a journey of discovery, where mastering academic foundations goes hand in hand with developing essential life skills. Through our unique mixed-age learning communities, students
progress at their optimal pace while building meaningful relationships with peers and teachers who know them deeply as both learners and individuals.
Our PATH Framework - Purpose, Agency, Teamwork, and Heart - guides everything we do. You'll find students tackling real-world math
problems, collaborating on science investigations, diving into literature, and expressing themselves through the arts. They learn not just to read, write, and solve problems, but to think
critically, work effectively with others, and develop the confidence to take on new challenges.
The KLS Lower School a place where making mistakes is celebrated as part of learning, where questions are encouraged, and where every student's unique path
to mastery is honored and supported.
* Our 6th graders will move from our Palo Alto to our Mountain View Campus in the Fall of 2025
Grades 2-6
Curriculum
Humanities
English Language Arts and Social Studies merge as Humanities in Lower School. Language Arts progresses from basic literacy and community themes to complex global topics and Greek mythology in
upper grades. Students develop creative and analytical skills through projects like personal narratives and documentary writing. Social Studies builds from community concepts to broader
perspectives, advancing from local studies to ancient civilizations, with emphasis on California history and U.S. geography in upper grades.
Science
The science curriculum is designed for students to explore a breadth of science concepts through active investigation. It takes students on a journey from basic observations of plants and
animals to sophisticated understanding of climate models and global warming. Through hands-on experiments and observations, students explore physical sciences, life sciences, and earth
sciences, developing critical thinking skills and scientific literacy.
Mathematics
Our math program builds strong foundational skills through a carefully sequenced curriculum. Starting with basic number sense and shapes, students progress to complex concepts including
ratios, variables, and statistics. The program emphasizes both practical application and abstract thinking, ensuring students develop robust problem-solving abilities.Unlike traditional math
programs, our approach to math combines self-paced study along with collaborative learning and problem-solving in class, allowing students to progress at a faster than typical rate.
Visual Arts
The visual arts program nurtures creativity and technical skill development. Students progress from basic art techniques to advanced concepts in drawing, painting, sculpture, and fiber arts.
The curriculum emphasizes both traditional and contemporary art forms, allowing students to express themselves through mixed media while mastering fundamental artistic principles.
Music
Our music program builds comprehensive musicianship through active participation and performance. Starting with vocal exploration and basic rhythms, students advance to playing instruments
including recorder and ukulele. The curriculum integrates music theory, performance skills, and creative expression.
Outer Wellness
Our program for physical education develops both physical skills and character. Students learn fundamental movement patterns, sports skills, and fitness concepts while practicing important
social skills like teamwork and sportsmanship. The curriculum promotes lifelong physical wellness through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
Advisory/Social Emotional Learning
Students develop essential life skills through our comprehensive advisory program. From kindergarten through sixth grade, learners explore self-awareness, empathy, leadership, and community
building. The curriculum emphasizes emotional intelligence, helping students understand themselves and others while fostering resilience and purposeful collaboration.
Computer Science
Beginning in first grade, our computer science program develops digital literacy and computational thinking skills. Students learn about computer systems, programming concepts, and digital
citizenship. The curriculum emphasizes both technical skills and responsible technology use, preparing students for an increasingly digital world.
Experiential Learning: Intersession
Intersession is a cherished tradition at Khan Lab School where our K-6 students embark on a unique week-long learning adventure. During this special time, regular classes pause as students form mixed-age groups to dive deep into themed projects that spark imagination and foster collaboration.