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Lower School

Welcome to the Lower School!

The Kam Memar Lower School is a place of joy, purpose and belonging, where every student, teacher and parent is a welcome and important part of our community. I'm amazed by the extraordinary resources of people, programs and facilities that support our youngest students in their growth as prepared, confident citizens of the world.

The faculty is the heart and soul of the Lower School, and our teachers are experts in how young children learn. The center of a student’s experience is the homeroom, where students develop a strong academic foundation and study habits as readers, writers, mathematicians and global thinkers. With two teachers in every homeroom, teachers design lessons for both whole-group and small-group instruction, meeting students at different levels of accomplishment with the right amount of challenge and support. Morning meetings, closing circles and classroom contracts help students feel a sense of belonging to and responsibility for their classroom community. They also learn to take more and more responsibility for themselves as learners.

Specialist teachers bring particular expertise and passion to their subject areas, allowing students to dive more deeply into STEAM as well as general music and strings, Spanish, library and physical education. They work collaboratively with the homeroom and associate teachers in the development of the whole child.

Play is a vital part of every child's learning, and we know from experience that students learn better when they have free play during their time at school. Our students are fortunate to enjoy lots of unstructured play time on the World’s Greatest Playground during daily recess, early morning drop-off and after-school Knight Crew. The Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL), a signature program at Pace, is integrated throughout the Lower School curriculum and develops students’ empathy and curiosity as they engage with some of the most pressing issues of our time. Through asking questions and learning about an annual global theme, they experience first hand that they can and do make a difference in the lives of others, beginning within the Pace community and spreading outward to the Atlanta region and the world.

Most importantly, Pace students learn how to be good people. We prioritize character education in all that we do through the Noble Knights program. Students leave the Lower School as compassionate and thoughtful citizens, prepared to contribute to our Middle School community—and beyond.

I look forward to welcoming you to the Pace Lower School!

Dorothy A. Hutcheson

Head of Lower School

Dorothy A. Hutcheson

Head of Lower School

 

Lower School Hours

Pre-First:
7:55 a.m.–2:15 p.m.

Grades 1-5:
7:55 a.m.–3 p.m.

Knight Crew (Optional):
2:15 – 6 p.m.

Pre-First Sample Schedule

Lower School Curriculum

Having the courage to strive for excellence in the classroom starts early at Pace Academy. From their first day in the Kam Memar Lower School, students tackle intellectual challenges with curiosity and joy. Our accelerated learning environment encourages students to stretch themselves to think, question and take risks—understanding that true learning happens when children are motivated, happy and held to high standards.

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Noble Knights

Above all, we want to develop good people, and we know that when it comes to character, paying attention to the little things makes a big impact.

As a way of living out our mission, ”To create prepared, confident citizens of the world who honor the values of Pace Academy,” the Lower School weaves character education into all aspects of the curriculum.

Through our Noble Knights’ Pillars of Character program, students learn and practice the character skills of EMPATHY, CURIOSITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP and PERSEVERANCE. These skills are implemented as teachers establish class norms and guidelines. Through monthly lessons, class conversations, books, individual recognition, opportuni ties for school-wide community engagement, leadership and challenge, Pace students become Noble Knights.

Read More About Character Education

Support and Resources

Our Lower School is known for its engaging curriculum. We develop problem solvers and creative thinkers who are keenly aware of the world around them and strive to make it a better place. And while we set the academic bar high, we provide the support and resources necessary to ensure that our young learners achieve their individual goals.