Lower School uses the Structured Literacy Framework to teach Language Arts. Structured Literacy encompasses evidence-based research to explicitly teach systematic word identification, decoding strategies, content-specific vocabulary, and knowledge. Structured Literacy instruction includes: oral language, phonemic awareness, phonics and spelling, vocabulary and morphology, fluency, syntax, text comprehension, and written expression. Students will be combining reading, auditory, and oral language skills focusing specifically on phonological awareness, high-frequency words, speaking and listening skills, academic vocabulary, text-based content building, grammar, and spelling. Through the use of a variety of reading activities, students experience a deep level of reading comprehension while the vocabulary and grammar curriculum build essential skills in reading and writing. Throughout the curriculum, students are assessed and provided support at their individual instructional level. Instruction is provided in whole group as well as in small groups in which students read books and work on skills designed for their specific needs. Students will also independently read and then write about their reading, building on the foundation each year of the previous grade. Students participate in a comprehensive writing program that teaches the skills of personal narrative, opinion (K-2)/ persuasive (3-4) writing, informational nonfiction writing, and creative writing through authentic experiences.

Students focus on mathematical problem solving and on building an understanding of math concepts through a progression of concrete, pictorial, and abstract learning.  Differentiated learning activities offer opportunities for each student to solidify his/her understanding of material while also extending learning through more challenging material. This differentiation ensures that students’ progress through the curriculum at an appropriate and individualized instructional pace. Throughout their Lower School math experience, students build their mastery of foundational math skills. Skills that are covered include: number sense and operations, algebraic thinking, measurement, data analysis, and Geometry. In addition, students participate in daily “Number Talks” to build their number sense, solve problems in different ways, and practice their mathematical reasoning and communication skills.

Students in the Lower School receive instruction in the social sciences and humanities introducing curriculum intentionally designed for each grade level. Kindergarteners explore important aspects of being a part of a classroom community, various facets of a community, and the community in which they live. First graders expand their boundaries as they learn about different cultures across our globe and how these different cultures impact our society. They complete a self study and learn to value each of their unique qualities. Second graders develop an understanding of rules and rights of citizens, the different types of communities, and how innovators from around the world have impacted America. Third graders explore states and regions of the United States with a focus on the history, economics, and landmarks of each region. Fourth graders study North Carolina through an integrated study of the state’s geography, history, economics, and other key social studies disciplines.

Lower School students in kindergarten through second grade receive daily science instruction utilizing a student-centered curriculum. Third and fourth grade students enjoy extended sessions of science every other day. Using an integrated approach, students explore units in chemistry, biology, physics, and earth science at increasingly greater depth and complexity.

Lower School Students learn Spanish through the Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPR-S) method, which allows Spanish vocabulary to be internalized via meaningful and engaging learning opportunities. Using this method, students learn new vocabulary structures through translation, gestures, and personalized questions, utilize these structures in a class story, and solidify these structures through class readings. Students in kindergarten through second grade receive Spanish instruction daily while third and fourth graders enjoy extended sessions of Spanish every other day. Through cultural and interdisciplinary projects, as well as hands-on activities, diverse modes of learning are utilized in the Spanish language learning classroom.

Parents play a vital role in their children’s education and FCDS enjoys a supportive and interactive partnership with parents. Through the formal Parents' Association, parents may take part in school-wide activities, or may volunteer in specific areas, such as the library, or in individual classrooms. Parents support the instructional program in a wide variety of ways.

Students in Lower School enjoy large classrooms, each equipped with SmartBoards and extensive learning materials that support our dynamic curriculum.