Schedule
In the Lower School at Mounds Park Academy, each day is intentionally designed to balance structure, exploration, and connection. Our schedule reflects what we know about how young children learn best—through relationships, routine, active engagement, and meaningful experiences.
Each morning begins in homeroom, where students are welcomed into a consistent, supportive environment. This time allows them to settle in, connect with their teacher and classmates, and prepare for the day ahead. It also creates space for community-building, reflection, and setting a positive tone for learning.
From there, students move through a schedule that blends core academics with specialist experiences, giving them both depth and variety throughout the day.
Integrated, Meaningful Learning
In the Lower School, learning is often interdisciplinary, allowing students to make connections across subjects and apply their skills in authentic ways. Rather than experiencing each subject in isolation, students engage in units of study that weave together reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
This might look like students using math skills to measure and track plant growth, applying technology tools to graph and analyze their findings, or learning how to evaluate credible sources as part of a research project. These integrated experiences help students see the relevance of what they are learning and understand how ideas connect.
Teachers intentionally incorporate multiple perspectives and individualization into the learning process, encouraging students to think critically, ask questions, and develop a broader understanding of the world around them in ways that make sense to them.
A Balance of Structure and Exploration
While the schedule provides consistency and predictability, it also allows for flexibility and responsiveness to students’ needs. Teachers thoughtfully design each day to include a balance of focused academic time, hands-on learning, collaboration, and opportunities for creativity.
Students benefit from both classroom instruction and time with subject-area specialists, including physical education, world language, library, technology, and the arts. This variety keeps students engaged while supporting different interests and learning styles.
Time to Move, Play, and Connect
We believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. Daily recess and regular opportunities for movement are essential parts of the Lower School schedule, supporting students’ physical well-being, social development, and overall readiness to learn.
Unstructured play allows students to build friendships, practice problem-solving, and develop independence—all of which are critical components of a healthy school experience.
A Community-Centered Approach
Throughout the day, relationships remain at the center of the Lower School experience. Whether in homeroom, specialist classes, or informal moments, students are known, supported, and encouraged to grow.
The rhythm of the day is designed not only to support academic development but also to foster confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging.
The Result
The result is a school day that feels purposeful, joyful, and peaceful. Students are engaged, supported, and challenged in ways that are developmentally appropriate and deeply meaningful.
By thoughtfully balancing structure with flexibility, and academics with connection, we create an environment where students thrive—both in the moment and over time.
