The Lower School is situated at the Diamond Head end of the campus and encompasses the primary (K-3) and elementary (4-6) grades. Students in the primary grades enjoy a nurturing environment with low student-teacher ratios. Much personal attention and positive reinforcement help to promote healthy self-concepts and sound educational foundations.

In the elementary grades, academic, physical, social and spiritual development begun in the primary grades continues. Students become more aware of their accountability to others as well as their individual aptitudes and personal qualities. The faculty is engaged in the total development of the children as they progress through the Lower School.

Primary Grades (K-3)

In the primary grades, students proceed at rates commensurate with achievement. There are minimal grade level expectancies which most children far surpass. In addition the teachers provide a wealth of enrichment activities. Frequent assessments - quarterly evaluations, midquarter reports and conferences - apprise parents of their children's progress.

Subjects in the primary grades include reading, mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, art, music, religious education and physical education. Beginning in Kindergarten, computer awareness and literacy are taught. Students in grades K-3 enjoy basic instruction in creative movement and dance.

In reading, students improve their ability to recognize letters and words, to read aloud, and to comprehend the written and spoken word. Higher level skills such as predicting, summarizing and inferring are introduced and developed. Boys and girls learn to form letters, write complete sentences and cohesive paragraphs, speak with standard intonation and syntax, and listen attentively.

In mathematics, students learn numeral recognition and formation, number values and mathematical vocabulary. Throughout the primary grades there is systematic review and expansion of skills and concepts in performing fundamental operations and solving problems.

Students use computers to learn skills, create graphics, become acquainted with LOGO, and begin word processing.

Grades K-3 attend chapel services once a month on Wednesday mornings and every Friday morning with the entire Lower School.

The hours of the after school program are 2:30-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the school year.

Elementary Grades (4-6)

Grades 4-6 are departmentalized, and students report to different rooms for their classes. Good citizenship, high moral standards, sound study habits, and basic skills and concepts are emphasized. As in the primary grades, students advance when they master the material and receive additional attention when they encounter difficulties.

The curriculum includes reading, written and oral communication, mathematics, social studies, science, art, music, religious education and physical education. In computer classes, students continue to work with LOGO, develop more advanced skills in word processing, and begin programming in BASIC. All students have study hall - a quiet period to do homework, prepare for another class or read.

Fourth graders and new students audition for the Lower School chorus. Those who sing well may elect to join returning fifth and sixth graders. Lower School members have performed with students from the Upper School in concerts throughout the world.

Fifth graders elect to become members of the Lower School beginning or advanced orchestra. Many students continue with orchestra in the Upper School and become accomplished musicians.

Students audition for the dance group. Classes meet three times a week, and the boys and girls perform in various programs.

Sixth graders may elect to take band. Students receive instruction in playing woodwind or brass instruments.

Grades 4-6 attend chapel services once a month on Wednesday mornings and every Friday morning. Students have opportunities to be readers or speakers in Chapel.

Activities

The children in grades K-3 go on many field trips during the school year. These may include visits to a museum, concert, play, ballet, park, tidepool or fire station. Activities at school may include a puppet show, musical offering, cultural presentation or athletic demonstration. Depending on the grade level, students may elect to take lessons in art, tennis, dance, piano or strings. Iolani sponsors a Brownie troup and a Cub Scout pack.

For students in grades 4-6, there is an after school intramural program which may include basketball, flag football, tennis and track. Students in grades 4-6 may join the Pep and Poster Club. Those in grades 5 and 6 are eligible for the J.P.O.s and acolytes. In the fall, grade 6 enjoys a three-day camp.

Every grade level is involved in a major program: Kindergarten - Makahiki; grade 1 - Fairy Tale unit and play; grade 2 - celebration of families; grade 3 - Fruit of the Spirit; grade 4 - Big Island trip; grade 5 - American Heritage; grade 6 - promotion exercises.

Back to main Academic Departments page

Table of Contents
Questions? Thoughts? Comments? Send e-mail to us.