From our Head of Lower School 

Welcome to the Lower School, where we nurture the development of each child emotionally, academically physically, socially and artistically every day. During these formative years, it is essential that children build a strong foundation of basic skills, a deep sense of self and an ability to contribute to a group while capitalizing on their innate curiosity about the world around them. Within a challenging curriculum, children are encouraged to take risks and allowed to make mistakes in a supportive environment, under the care of committed teachers. Our ultimate goal is to instill and maintain a sense of wonder, and excitement for learning, in all of our children, so they leave the Lower School full of eager anticipation for what's to come.

We acknowledge and value the differences in our students. Although many children follow a general pattern of development, all are unique unto themselves. We strive to meet children where they are and move them forward.

Pre-Kindergarten students benefit from art, music and physical education classes as well as daily Spanish and Mandarin classes. Our commitment to foreign language, global awareness and inclusiveness is a natural extension of Lausanne's diversity. Our student body is a kaleidoscope of ethnicity, religion and language. In the Lower School alone, we have students from seventeen countries, and most of them speak English as a second or third language.

The level of student engagement in science and technology increases significantly in first grade. Students enjoy having scheduled time in the science lab with a full-time science specialist in grades one through four. These sessions involve all of the senses, utilize higher order thinking skills and evoke enthusiasm and curiosity about the natural world. Technology is used in both the science laboratory and the classroom, as Lausanne maintains a 2:1 student-to-laptop ratio.

We believe that leadership opportunities are essential in child development. There is an element of risk inherent in leadership. In our early childhood program, students are exposed to a variety of roles they assume through play. They lead morning meetings and enjoy being Star of the Week. In later years, they lead the morning announcements over the intercom, lead the Lower School assemblies, join the safety patrol opening car doors in the morning and participate in other in-class activities. This philosophy culminates in fourth grade, when student leadership and the ability to work within a group are tested in everyday as groups of students are presented with challenges they need to overcome together.

I look forward to sharing our Lower School with you in the days to come. Please contact the Lower School office at dcampbell@lausanneschool.com or 901-474-1021 should you need more information.

Samantha Kemmish
Head of Lower School 

We have students from 44 different countries.
Lausanne Collegiate School – home to one of the top preschools in Memphis.