Academics

Lower School

The Lower School provides students with a solid foundation in reading, writing, and mathematics through a developmentally appropriate, child-centered program. Kindergarten begins a literature-based reading and writing program that continues through twelfth grade. Hands-on science and math activities, along with the study of social studies and geography, Spanish, technology, fine arts, and physical education, round out the Lower School curriculum.

While helping young learners develop strong basic skills, teachers seek to lead their students “from curiosity to wisdom” by fostering a life-long love of learning. By fifth grade, students should be strong, independent readers who can interpret and analyze what they read, express themselves clearly in writing, appreciate mathematics as a way of thinking, and understand the basic principles of scientific inquiry.

Each child is known and valued as an individual. Small classes ensure individualized attention and allow teachers to provide help and enrichment as needed. With an enrollment of approximately 500 students, the Lower School is a community where parents, teachers, and administrators develop close working relationships in the best interest of each student.

From Curiosity to Wisdom
The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. Our mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifetime learners.

The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.