The lower school is comprised of prekindergarten, kindergarten, and grades one through six. The school is dedicated to providing experiences that are challenging and enjoyable. Teachers strive to create an environment in which students can be creative, practice skills, and apply classroom knowledge to real life situations. Problem solving is integrated into the total curriculum. The school promotes close cooperation between parents and teachers. Individual needs and development levels of children are carefully considered. Values and moral education are promoted in the students' interactions with peers and adults. 

ART

The main objective of the art program is to provide a positive learning environment where artistic ability and individual self-expression are developed as each child is given instruction in diverse media. Students work with painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, construction, weaving, printing, and lettering, in addition to two and three dimensional projects. Elements of design and manipulation of materials are part of each project. Classroom work is coordinated with the art program and student artwork is displayed for special events on and off campus. 

COMPUTER

Southampton Academy recognizes the importance of technology and its role in our lives and our children's future. The lower school lab contains twenty networked PCs, a color printer, a scanner, three digital cameras, and two digital camcorders. Two or more computers are found in all classes in prekindergarten through grade six, along with interactive whiteboards. All classrooms have filtered Internet access. 

LANGUAGE ARTS

The lower school language arts program introduces students to the fundamentals of reading, spelling, writing, and grammar skills. Reading is taught through an eclectic approach including decoding words through strong phonics skills, building vocabulary, developing comprehension skills, and enhancing independent reading through positive classroom and library experiences. The goals of the program are to instill in students a love of reading and language, which aids in the development of appropriate verbal and written expression. 

LIBRARY

The library media center houses a multimedia collection including 14,000 books and 150 audiovisual materials. The library has AV equipment including circulating TV/VCR/DVDs. Computers are available for students in the library. Prekindergarten through fifth grade classes are scheduled weekly for library skills development and storytelling. 

MATH

The mathematics program teaches students operational and critical thinking skills in an environment that encourages children to develop and explore concepts, solve problems and use calculators, computers, and applied math skills. Cooperative learning and extensive use of manipulates facilitate learning. Students build connections between math topics and other areas of the curriculum while developing an enjoyment of math. 

MUSIC

The objectives of the music program are the development of good choral singing techniques, an appreciation of a variety of musical forms, an involvement in music as a performing art, and to instill a love and enthusiasm for music through rhythm activities, singing games, and listening activities. Students perform in musical productions throughout the year.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The goal of the physical education program is to provide students with a progression of basic motor skills, games, fitness activities, and attitudes, that will serve as a solid foundation for future physical skill development. Full participation, enjoyment, sportsmanship, and the development of cooperation are goals that instructors stress during class periods. 

SCIENCE

The science program is designed to offer a variety of meaningful experiences, which develop the students' natural curiosity about themselves and the world around them. Students use the scientific method to make informed decisions in solving problems that affect their environment and daily lives. Life science, earth science, physical science, and health are studied. The science program is integrated with language and math to enhance critical thinking skills using a hands-on approach. 

SOCIAL STUDIES

The social studies program is designed to promote citizenship and an awareness of functions of family, local, state, national, and global communities through the study of geography, history, economics, and government. The study of cultures of selected countries and the comparison of these cultures in integrated into the curriculum.

SPANISH and FRENCH

Students in grades K - 4 are taught Spanish, while students in grades 5 - 6 are taught French.