Lower School

The Lower School of NCCS is noted for providing excellence in its skill-based academic programs. An overview of curriculum content topics and skills can be found under each grade level listing.

Reading and writing are critical components of the Lower School program. A Literacy Coordinator works closely with classroom teachers to ensure continuity in the development of student skills. Lower school students are encouraged to continue reading during the summer months. Recommendations for summer reading are located under each grade level listing. During the school year students receive reading incentives through such programs as Accelerated Reader, Book-It, and Six Flags Six Hour Reading Club.

In addition to the core curriculum, NCCS provides the following “specials” in the Lower School:

• Spanish (Grades K4-5^th)
• General Music (K4-5^th)
• Physical Education (Grades K5-5^th)
• Art (Grades 1^st -5^th)
• Computer (Grades 1^st-5^th)
• Band and Orchestra (Grades 4^th-5^th, electives)

Gifted and Talented Students

The RISE program (Research, Investigation, Study, & Exploration) is available to students who demonstrate academic giftedness as determined by a score in the 95th percentile or higher on the Otis-Lenon School Ability Test, or comparable instrument. Additionally, students must maintain an A/B academic average and be recommended by the classroom teacher. This program involves a half-day per week of “pull-out” enrichment activities. Students are involved in four units of study per year, with various supporting field trips and higher level thinking activities included. There is an additional fee for participation in the RISE program. Admittance to the program is by invitation for qualified students.

After School Care

QUEST Club is designed as an extended curriculum to enrich and encourage students to QUEST for knowledge and to develop an appreciation for fine arts, athletics, technology, and the sciences through hands-on experiences. QUEST Club provides before-school care beginning at 7:00 a.m. There is no additional charge for before-school care. After-school care is available for kindergarten five-year olds through fifth grade until 6:30 p.m. Any lower school student remaining on campus after 3:00 must attend QUEST Club. There is a $10.00 per day fee for after-school care.