Social Studies
The kindergarten curriculum begins with self-examination and an exploration of the classroom, Potomac School, and local communities. Students begin to build their understanding of identity as an individual and as a member of the greater community.
The first grade curriculum focuses on helping students build classroom communities by sharing about themselves and learning about their classmates. Students explore what makes them unique and discover similarities and differences they have with their peers and the wider community. Their exploration of Washington DC provides a diverse landscape to explore civic engagement and mapping.
The second grade social studies curriculum includes a year-long focus on identity development that builds on the language and experiences from kindergarten and first grade. This identity work is crucial as the students begin to look at cultures from the past and present that are possibly different from their own. Innovation and change-making are also at the core of the second-grade experience. Students engage in a rich exploration of historical and contemporary figures who have shaped our world and, in turn, students are empowered to become changemakers in their own school and local communities.
Third-grade students explore the regions of the United States through three different lenses, economy, culture, and geography. They begin looking at each region from a historical perspective and then compare it to the present day. The story of westward expansion is told through the eyes of multiple perspectives as the students explore the diverse geography of the United States.
Art
In Lower School art, students explore, design, and create, using techniques from drawing and painting to collage, sculpture, ceramics, bookmaking, and printmaking.
Language Arts
The Lower School Language Arts program is taught through the workshop model for both reading and writing. All six elements of literacy are targeted through Language Arts instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and writing.
Library
During their twice a rotation library classes, a teaching librarian shares a wide range of children's literature, from wordless books to biographies and from emergent reader titles to complex chapter books.
Mathematics
Potomac uses Math in Focus (MIF), a program based on the Singapore Math model. The program focuses on an in-depth understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving.
Music
In Lower School, we strive to foster the joy of making music. The Lower School Music Program is built upon the Orff-Schulwerk approach, which uses speech, singing, movement, and barred instruments to discover and develop the innate musicianship of children
Physical Education and Health
The overall goal of the physical education program is to motivate every student to participate in physical activities leading to healthy, lifetime habits.
Science
In Lower School, students learn through observation, experimentation, exploration, and a variety of engineering design challenges. They all explore and analyze Potomac’s unique 90-acre wooded campus.
Social Emotional Learning and Guidance
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is woven throughout the students’ day to build a strong school and classroom community.
Social Studies
Students begin to build their understanding of identity as an individual and as a member of the greater community.
Technology
As the use of technology transitions from toy to learning tool, students are exposed to a wide range of applications and resources.
“Potomac’s faculty and staff are talented, committed, and professional. Being here is more than just a job to them. I see it every day in the Lower School. Our teachers and staff care deeply about their students and the work that we do together.”
Dr. Donnette Echols, Lower School Head