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Lower School

lower school chapel

DEVELOPING LIFELONG LEARNERS FROM THE START

Lower School at HHCA is designed to give students a strong foundation for intellectual, social and spiritual growth. A safe, nurturing environment encourages an early love of learning and positive character development while engaging students in authentic, Christ-centered learning challenges. Just the right balance of structure and exploration is provided throughout the curriculum to reach each student’s maximum potential in all areas of development.

In these foundational early years, our inquiry-based model emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration in every subject, and provides opportunities for students to explore their passions within the framework of foundational content.  

student with swoop

Our distinctly Christian, inquiry-based learning approach engages students by making real-world connections through exploration. 

At HHCA, inquiry-based learning in the early years engages students while sparking curiosity, introducing concepts of innovation, and developing an early sense of ownership in learning.  Triggering inquiry in our students creates a healthy understanding of the world around them.

field day boys

Lower School Field Day

Is there a better way to wrap up a year of learning and growth than with the fun of good old-fashioned field day? Our Lower School students make a splash about all of their hard work and learning with just that. Smiles from the 2024 field day say it all.

 

Just like curriculum in Middle and Upper School, our Lower School curriculum is distinct with a Christian worldview.  Biblical principles are woven throughout, with the goal of making the Bible meaningful and relevant in our students' lives. We want to help students see their lives through the lens of God's Word.

- Debbie Hammet
Lower School Principal

INTELLECTUALLY GIFTED (IG) PROGRAM

HHCA's Intellectually Gifted Program (IG) provides an enhanced experience for individually selected second through fifth grade students who demonstrate advanced academic ability. Students are invited to participate through a multifaceted selection process based on the following components:

  • Objective, third-party assessment of intellectual ability
  • Cognitive capability as demonstrated from Cogat/ITBS and MAP scores
  • Academic achievement
  • Teacher recommendation and rating
  • Parent observations and feedback

Differentiation, inter-disciplinary enrichment, and emphasis on critical thinking create a solid framework for accelerated instruction. In addition to regular classroom requirements, IG students are expected to complete independent and group study projects, increasing their depth of learning.

The cost to participate in this program is $ 700 per semester, which is in addition to the standard tuition rate and is not subject to financial aid.