Lower School - Specials

Lower School students have two or three classes each week with specialist in the visual arts, music, physical education and world languages; library meets once a week. We don’t see these subjects as extras; we consider them an important and non-negotiable part of a well rounded education.

Deportes (Prek-3rd grade) Created and taught by Doane Academy’s physical education teacher and Director of Athletics Justin Cooper, Deportes was designed specifically for our youngest students. Deportes is a physical education class that integrates the Spanish language and Latino culture. Using basic classroom instruction coupled with physical/ action implementation, Deportes provides students with a fun learning environment where they can use and learn the Spanish language.

Physical Education (4th-6th grade) (Athletics)
The focus of the 4th-6th grade physical education program is to provide an opportunity for students to participate in a wide variety of physical activities and experiences that promote the mastery of the core skills introduced at the early elementary level. They will build a framework for lifetime activities and healthy living.

Visual Arts (PreK-6th grade) (Lower School Visual Arts) The Lower School art program provides the maximum opportunity for all students to have hands-on experiences in producing their art, developing their individual creative expression and a deeper appreciation for art. During their time in class, students gain knowledge about different art forms, artists, cultures, art movements, and materials, and how to properly use them.

Music (PreK-6th grade) (Lower School Choir) All Lower School students participate both a music class and choir class, both meet once a week. In music class, students explore all areas of music, from music history and basic theory, to music appreciation and even composition. In choir, students prepare for two annual concerts and singing in chapel.

Spanish(PreK-6th grade) Lower School Course Description Book (PDF).

Library (PreK-6th grade)
All Lower School students visit The Katherine Potts Children’s Library once per week. Completed in fall 2008, the library was created in memory of Katherine Potts, a student at Doane who passed away during her 1st grade year from a rare brain disease. A collaborative effort of the Potts Family and Friends, and their Doane Family, the library is now a place for our Lower School students to learn, grow, and explore. Truly a special library, it holds more than books, as it has a reading loft, stage, and lots of cozy cubbies and corners to curl up in and read. In their time at the library, students work with the Library Director Sharis Swartley, learning about the library system and participating in the Scholastic Reading Counts Program that helps inspire independent reading. For more information, please contact Sharis Swartley at sswartley@doaneacademy.org