Academics

Lower School

Lower School (Grades K-5)
A Foundation for Lifelong Learning

Curiosity is the spark that fuels a lifetime of discovery, and we nurture that spark from the very beginning. Our Lower School program provides a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where students are encouraged to take risks and grow.

Fred Rogers

When you wonder, you are learning.
From a young age, students develop the confidence to ask questions, make connections, and solve problems—both independently and collaboratively.
Our curriculum is intentionally designed as a continuum, building core skills in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies while fostering interdisciplinary thinking. Through hands-on projects and group investigations, they learn to think critically, explore deeply, and approach new challenges with enthusiasm.

Academic growth goes hand in hand with social-emotional development. Using Responsive Classroom practices, a growth mindset, and resilience-building strategies, students learn to navigate challenges with confidence. They develop self-awareness, communication skills, and moral courage while learning how to support and collaborate with one another.

At Seven Hills, every child is seen, valued, and encouraged to find their voice—guided by dedicated educators who bring out the best in each student. Whether painting kindness rocks, leading student-driven initiatives like the Kids Green Committee, or engaging in Curiosity Workshops, our students are at the center of their learning journey.

Lower School Highlights

Experience Our Program
Lower School at a Glance

List of 3 items.

  • Kindergarten Entry Age

    5 years old by September 1

  • Sections Per Grade:

    2 sections of 18-20 students

  • Teachers Per Grade

    K-3rd: 1 Lead, 1 Support Teacher 
    4th-5th: 1 Lead Teacher

Programmatic Anchors

  • Investigations 3

    Inquiry based math program

  • Teachers College - Columbia University

    Advancing Literacy - Reading and Writing Workshop

  • FOSS

    Full Option Science System Science Curriculum

  • NGSS

    Next Generation Science Standards

  • Emergent

    Place-Based Education

  • Kimochis

    Social Emotional Learning Program

  • Responsive

    Responsive Classroom
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Lower School Hours

List of 3 items.

  • Morning Drop Off

    K-3rd Grade: 7:40-8:15am
    4th-5th Grade: 7:40-8:00am

  • Afternoon Dismissal

    K-2nd Grade: 2:30pm
    3rd-5th Grade: 3:00pm

  • Extended Day

    7:00am-5:30pm

Meet the Division Head

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Jennifer Arnest

    Jennifer Arnest 

    Assistant Head of School for Lower School
975 North San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
The School admits students of any race, color, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin, in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other School-administered programs.