Welcome to the Lower School at Rolling Hills Country Day, where your child’s education begins.  I began working at Country Day in 2004 as a second grade teacher and stepped into the role of Head of Lower School in 2014.  I am also blessed to experience first-hand the magic of being part of Country Day through my own children’s eyes who are students in the Lower School and Middle School.   The moment I joined the faculty, I knew what a special group of educators we had, teachers who are dedicated to making each day a meaningful experience for each child.  Our parents are supportive, and I value the open communication we share with the them to make school a successful experience for all of our students. And my greatest delight comes, of course, from working with the most amazing, vivacious, and inquisitive children.  They are the true reason I look forward to coming to work each day. Please accept my personal invitation to visit our school and see for yourself what a truly wonderful educational environment this is.

Sincerely,
Amy Tillson
Head of Lower School

With a world of experiences ahead of them, Kindergarten is where children learn to be life-long learners. The goals of our Kindergarten program are to:

• Establish a sound educational foundation
• Foster the development of positive self-esteem through academic and social skills
• Cultivate critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Offer a variety of hands-on mathematics and science explorations
• Empower students with the tools to become independent readers
• Develop and extend each child’s communication skills
• Provide a flexible environment that meets individual needs
• Lay the foundation for our students to become responsible citizens

Class Hours
Kindergarten at Country Day School is a full day program beginning at 8 a.m. and concluding at 2:45 p.m., with playtime in all the right places. The program provides a strong academic environment that challenges our students while nurturing them socially and emotionally.

Class Size
We limit our class size to 18 students to give our children individual attention and to focus on each student’s needs. There are 2 classrooms, each with their own teacher and teacher assistant.

Homework
Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday. It is designed to reinforce the basic skills taught at school and to encourage a sense of responsibility.

Evaluation
All Kindergarten parents have individual “benchmark” meetings in the Fall with their child’s classroom teacher. These introductory meetings take place early in the year so that teachers and parents can discuss each child’s individual needs and what to expect over the course of the year. In addition, three formal assessments of students’ progress are made throughout the year. Two of these are parent-teacher conferences, and the third is a written evaluation presented at the end of the year.

Curriculum
In addition to our strong emphasis on academics, we help our pupils strengthen their interpersonal skills, while providing them with opportunities to explore their creativity and curiosity. Small group activities, together with shared learning exercises, allow for a healthy balance of cooperative, competitive, and individual experiences. Classes focus on:

• Reading
• Mathematics
• Writing Skills
• Science
• Social Studies
• Spanish Language & Culture
• Mandarin Language & Chinese Culture
• Computer
• iPad Centers
• Physical Education
• Global Studies
• Daily Current Events

In addition, we offer classes in:

• Music
• Art
• Swimming
• Library
• Community Service

At Rolling Hills Country Day School we encourage curiosity, acknowledge responsibility, support creative ideas, and appreciate different points of view.  We help our students acquire new life skills and cultivate existing ones.  Our dedication to our students shines in the reflections of their intellectual, moral, physical, and social achievements.

In our classrooms, on our fields, and across our stage, we nurture the art of expression.  Our students look within themselves and to their teachers for motivation, and to each other for inspiration.  As our students develop their skills and enhance their natural abilities using the tools we provide, they come ever closer to achieving and often surpassing their goals.

The goals of the Lower School program are to:

• Establish a strong, well-balanced educational foundation
• Furnish an atmosphere that enhances their creativity and curiosity
• Cultivate critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Develop each child’s written and oral communication skills
• Offer a variety of hands-on mathematics and science explorations
• Encourage each child to reach his or her full potential
• Empower students with the ability to become independent readers
• Lay the foundation for a solid base of study skills and personal management tools
• Foster the development of positive self-esteem through academic and social skills
• Develop independent, well-education, and responsible citizens

Class Hours
The Lower School begins at 8 a.m. Kindergarten dismisses at 2:45 p.m. Grades One through Grade Three conclude at 3:00 p.m. Grade Four and Grade Five end at 3:15 p.m.

Class Size
Small classes of 18 to 24, coupled with a dynamic faculty, ensure that each child will work toward fulfilling his or her individual goals.

Homework
Homework is an extension of class work and is assigned Monday through Thursday. It is designed to reinforce the basic skills taught at school and to encourage a sense of responsibility. Long-term projects are assigned to teach organization, long-term planning, and personal responsibility.

Evaluations
Formal assessments of students’ progress are made throughout the year. Written evaluations are presented three times during the year, and Parent Conferences are conducted in the Fall and Spring. Letter grades begin in Grade Three. Teachers are available in addition to these scheduled times for individual meetings throughout the year.