Lower School
Single Hero
Our Program
Pre-Kindergarten
The Haverford School's pre-kindergarten program is the gateway to a lifelong learning experience. Our curriculum employs an integrated, hands-on, thematic approach rooted in reading, writing, math, social studies, and social/emotional development, and includes "specials" in science, art, music, and physical education.
We emphasize building capable, independent, and self-directed learners in elementary school. Through the use of small groups and a strong student-teacher ratio, we differentiate each boy's work and adapt to his learning profile, abilities, and needs.
Kindergarten
Our full-day kindergarten builds foundations in math and literacy while boys practice problem solving, critical thinking, and reading and writing. Boys meet with specialists in science, art, music, and physical education. Class trips expand boys' understanding of their community and the world.
Boys participate in games and activities that reinforce skills and expand their knowledge during structured literacy time and differentiated learning groups. Centers also allow teachers to target learning to each boy's needs.
First Grade
First grade is an important year of foundational academic skills in elementary school and aims to instill empathy, community, and excitement about learning. Boys spend nearly half of the school day in literacy and math instruction, and explore science, art, music, and physical education with specialist teachers.
The classrooms are full of energy and curiosity as boys develop reading skills and strategies, express themselves in writing, delve into math, and immerse themselves in social studies.
Second grade
In second grade, boys become scholars through in-depth reading, writing, and math. The second grade curriculum uses immersive and experiential learning. Second grade boys begin to take responsibility for others through mentoring their pre-kindergarten "buddies."
Boys spend nearly half of the school day in literacy and math instruction, and explore science, art, music, and physical education with specialist elementary school teachers.
Third Grade
Third grade boys become independent readers, writers, and researchers. They are self-directed and adept at problem solving.
They learn what it's like to be a boy in early America, Ancient Egypt, and modern China. They research famous women, write a report, and present their findings to their mothers and guardians. In the spring, the curriculum immerses boys in the study of modern day China, including exposure to the language and culture.
Fourth Grade
Fourth grade teachers encourage boys to develop independence and take ownership in their learning. Hands-on activities, inquiry-style lessons, design thinking, and differentiated instruction help each boy become more proficient as a reader, writer, mathematician, and researcher.
Our teachers also help guide both boys and their families in learning what to expect and how to best support boys experiencing the biological changes preceding adolescence in elementary school.
Fifth Grade
The fifth grade year is a major step in The Haverford School learning process. Boys become more independent, self-directed learners while gaining the personal organizational skills necessary for success in their Middle School years.
Fifth graders demonstrate responsibilities as leaders of the Lower School. Each boy participates in a study of himself and of those around him to understand the benefits of combining talents to serve their elementary school.
Curriculum
Art
Haverford's interdisciplinary and dynamic Lower School art classes teach boys everything from fine motor skills to self expression.
Character and Citizenship
Our Character and Citizenship program teaches boys to become mentors and leaders through partnering with their peers and serving their communities.
Library
The Lower School library holds books that capture the imagination of boys at every level. They learn how to use a library, explore their preferences, and develop a love for reading.
Literacy
Our science-backed literacy program starts in pre-kindergarten and runs through each Lower School grade. The program provides a strong foundation for boys as they continue their educational journey.
Mathematics
Haverford's mathematics classes emphasize practical problem solving and logical reasoning. Differentiated learning engages every student, expanding each boy's potential.
Music
The Haverford School was one of the first schools in the country to adopt the Kódaly approach to teaching musicianship, emphasizing collaboration and exploration.
Physical Education
Physical education courses build the foundations for an active lifestyle, building coordination and endurance alongside camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Science
Our science curriculum encourages the natural curiosity of our students. Boys learn to use their five senses in their explorations, asking questions, and making observations that lead to discovery.
Social Studies
Character development informs The Haverford School's social studies curriculum, where boys learn empathy by exploring different perspectives.
Day in the Life
Fisher, a fourth grade student, describes working alongside his pre-kindergarten buddy.
Students participate in service learning, including the second grade's Walk for Water, which improves water access for disadvantaged communities in Africa.
At the Lower School ceremony, the upcoming Fifth Grade banner boys step into their leadership role as models of the School's virtues for the younger students.
Meet the Head of the Lower School
Jenni Scoggin
Jenni Scoggin is Head of Lower School, where she brings her extensive experience as an educator and history of commitment to her students and their families. From teaching fourth grade in North Carolina public schools to implementing a structured literacy program at Carolina Friends School, Mrs. Scoggin approaches every decision with students at the forefront.
Mrs. Scoggin joined The Haverford School in 2024. Prior to joining our community, she served Carolina Friends School, a pre-k-12 co-ed Quaker school in Durham, N.C., as Head of Lower School.
She holds a B.B.A. in Music Business from Trevecca Nazarene University and an M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education from Belmont University.
Program Spotlight
