Welcome to Sumner Academy
Building Confidence, Character, and a Love of Learning
In Lower School, students build strong academic foundations while growing as thinkers, problem-solvers, and independent learners.
Start Your JourneyLower School
A Place To Grow, Take Risks, and Belong
Lower School (Grades 1 - 4) at Sumner Academy is a place where students are encouraged to ask questions, take academic risks, and build confidence in their abilities.
Classrooms are active and engaging, with students collaborating, exploring new ideas, and learning to think for themselves. As they grow, students take ownership of their learning and gain the confidence to share their ideas with others.
Teachers create an environment where students feel supported while also being challenged to stretch their thinking.
Students also build strong, lasting relationships with their peers and teachers through daily interactions and shared experiences. Character development is woven into the school day, helping students learn respect, empathy, responsibility, and how to navigate challenges with others in thoughtful and supportive ways.
As a parent of kids in the Lower School, I can honestly say this school has been an incredible fit for our family. The small class sizes means their teachers really understand them and help them grow. They come home excited about what they’re learning. The hands-on approach keeps them engaged, and they love getting to do things like robotics and even school sports at their age. We also really value the balanced schedule, with art, music, gym, computer, Spanish, along with Math, English, Science and Social Studies—it feels like they’re getting a full, meaningful education. Most importantly, our kids genuinely love going to school, and that comes from how much their teachers truly care about them every day.
in the classroom
Learning Through Inquiry, Exploration, and Application
In Lower School, students build strong skills in reading, writing, and mathematics through a balance of understanding and practice.
In math, your child will:
- strengthen number sense and computational fluency while learning to think logically and solve problems in different ways.
- recognize patterns, explain their thinking, and approach challenges with flexibility—moving beyond simple memorization.
In literacy, your child will:
- grow as a reader and writer through structured skill development and meaningful application.
- build comprehension, expand vocabulary, and learn to clearly express their ideas in both writing and discussion.
Science and social studies come to life through hands-on learning:
- through experiments, projects, and real-world connections, students ask questions, test ideas, and make discoveries
- building curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them
Our lower school teachers connect subjects through hands-on projects so learning feels real and engaging.
with teachers and peers
Meeting Each Student Where They Are
With small class sizes, teachers are able to truly understand each student’s needs and provide the right balance of support and challenge.
- Your child will receive the guidance they need when concepts feel difficult
- Children are encouraged to go further when they are ready.
- Teachers adjust their approach to help each child continue growing with confidence.
- Students learn from one another by collaborating, sharing ideas, and growing together.
Strong relationships between teachers and students create an environment where children feel comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and building confidence in their abilities.
beyond the classroom
Expanding Learning Through Experience
Learning at Sumner Academy extends beyond the classroom through experiences that help students connect what they are learning to the world around them.
- Field studies and field trips give students regular opportunities to explore, ask questions, and engage in meaningful, real-world learning.
- Your fourth grader will take part in their first overnight trip. An experience that build independence, strengthen relationships, and create lasting memories.
On campus, students take advantage of spaces like the IDEA HUB, outdoor classroom, and walking paths—environments designed for hands-on learning and exploration.
- In the IDEA HUB, students build, create, and solve problems through projects that introduce them to design thinking, engineering, and real-world application.
- Your child will have the opportunity to think creatively, work through challenges, and see their ideas come to life.
After the bell
Where Interests Become Passions
Your child will have opportunities to stay active, explore their interests, and be part of a team.
- In grades 1 – 2, students can participate in programs like Running Club (cross country), Cheer, and Little Kickers (soccer).
- As they grow into grades 3 – 4, they begin transitioning into Middle School athletics, with opportunities in Cross Country, Volleyball, Tennis, Cheerleading, Basketball, and Soccer.
- Your child can join Robotics, Choir, Band, and other clubs, giving them the chance to try new things and discover what they enjoy.
- Our after-school program provides additional time to build friendships, complete homework, and continue the day in a supportive, engaging environment.
While some of these opportunities are competitive, the focus at this age is on learning skills, building confidence, and working as a team, while also gaining the experience of practicing, playing, and being part of something larger.
lower school
Start Your Journey
By the end of 4th Grade, students have strong academic skills, growing confidence, and the ability to think through problems and share their ideas. They enter Middle School ready to take ownership of their work, speak up for themselves, and continue growing into the person they were meant to be.