Lower School
Young children form their attitudes about learning based on their very first experiences in school. At The Crenshaw Academy's Lower School, we take that responsibility seriously. From Kindergarten through 5th grade, students are welcomed into a warm, structured environment where curiosity is celebrated, every child is known by name, and the love of learning is built to last. Our 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio means teachers have the time and space to truly know each student, adapt to their learning style, and make sure no one falls through the cracks.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten at The Crenshaw Academy is where it all begins. Our program gives young learners a strong academic foundation while nurturing the social and emotional skills they will carry with them for life. Small classes, attentive teachers, and a warm community make the transition into school feel natural and exciting rather than overwhelming.
Our 2025 Kindergarten class scored in the 96th percentile in Sentence Reading on the SAT10, reflecting both the dedication of our students and the strength of our early literacy program.
A Kindergarten Day at Crenshaw
Every day in our Kindergarten program balances focused academic learning with movement, creativity, and time to simply be a kid. Here is what a typical day looks like:
Hands-on activities, games, and manipulatives build confidence in counting, number sense, patterns, shapes, and early problem-solving.
A 15-minute reset to refuel and socialize before the next block.
Phonics, letter recognition, reading comprehension, storytelling, and handwriting practice through interactive, engaging instruction.
30 minutes of outdoor play for movement, exploration, and free time with friends.
A 30-minute period that also builds social skills, independence, and good habits.
An hour of outdoor activity and organized movement through our D2 Futsal program.
Rotating enrichment in Spanish, Art, Music, Science, and Social Studies.
Students use IXL and Lexia throughout the week for individualized practice in math and reading.
Social & Emotional Development
Kindergarten is about more than academics. We are also committed to helping young students build the personal skills that support everything else.
Building friendships and learning to work alongside others in a supportive classroom community.
Developing the skills to share ideas, listen to others, and work together on shared goals.
Learning to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in healthy, age-appropriate ways.
Building self-confidence, independence, and empathy through daily interactions and guided reflection.
What Kindergarten Parents Are Saying
"The teachers at Crenshaw truly understand each child's unique needs. My daughter has blossomed both academically and socially since starting Kindergarten here."
— Crenshaw Parent"We were amazed at how quickly our son adapted to the school routine. The nurturing environment and engaging curriculum made the transition smooth and enjoyable."
— Crenshaw Parent
Grades 1–5
As students move through the Lower School, the program builds thoughtfully on the Kindergarten foundation. Experiential, project-based learning connects classroom concepts to the real world, while differentiated instruction ensures every student is appropriately challenged.
Academic growth and personal growth happen together here, with character education and community engagement woven into the daily rhythm of school life.
Curriculum
Phonics-based reading that builds to fluency and comprehension, writing workshops, literature circles, and public speaking through class presentations.
Hands-on, concrete learning that develops abstract reasoning, problem-solving strategies, and real-world application of mathematical concepts.
Inquiry-based, hands-on experiments, environmental education, and technology integration in scientific exploration.
Community, culture, and history; geography skills; civic responsibility and global awareness.
Physical Education with D2 Futsal, art, music, Spanish instruction continuing through Grade 5, and technology integrated across all subject areas.
Partnership With Families
At The Crenshaw Academy, parents are partners in their child's education. Lower School families receive:
Regular updates on your child's academic progress and weekly classroom newsletters keep you informed.
Access grades, assignments, and school communication through the student and parent portal.
Opportunities for classroom involvement, parent-teacher conferences, and family engagement events throughout the year.
Ready to See Our Lower School in Action?
The best way to experience The Crenshaw Academy is to walk through the door. Schedule a tour and see our Lower School classrooms firsthand, meet our teachers, and ask every question you have. We would love to meet your family.
Schedule a Tour