Welcome to Lower School
The lower school program at Mead Hall, (grades 1-4), provides a solid foundation in academics in preparation for the rigor of upper level courses through an advanced mastery in ELA and mathematics.  Mead Hall uses a well established phonics based reading program which emphasises decoding, fluency, and comprehension.  Our math curriculum provides students with an understanding of the relationships between numbers that prepares them to understand higher-order math in middle and high school. Instead of learning about science, our students participate in science through our lab-based hands-on science/STEM program.  Social Studies at Mead Hall expands from local to global as students mature.  Lower school grades primarily focus on city, state, and US history; however, an appreciation for world geography and culture is included each year as well.  Art, music, media studies, PE, and sacred studies enhance the learning experience each week.Veteran faculty and small class sizes allow students to thrive in a learning environment which focuses on applying the basics in practical and engaging learning experiences. Students are active participants in the learning process – researching, experimenting, observing, collaborating and reporting together. Field trips and guest speakers, inter-grade projects, and service to school and community are interwoven throughout the year to enhance social/emotional development.  We are grateful to be named the best K-12 private school in Aiken County by Niche.

Accelerated Reader Program

The Accelerated Reader Program is a software assessment device used to monitor student reading comprehension. There are three steps to using AR. First, students choose and read a fiction or non-fiction book that is part of the AR program. A complete list of the AR books can be found on the Accelerated Reader website using the link below. Second, students answer comprehension questions using a school computer. Third, a report is generated stating the number of points the student earned from each book. This program is intended to encourage students to read and to increase their reading comprehension. Mead Hall encourages children to read a wide variety of genres, within and beyond the AR program.

Incentives are used throughout the year to encourage students to reach quarterly and annual goals.

Zearn Math Program

Zearn math is an online program that is aligned with our math curriculum to reinforce concepts covered each week in class.  Zearn also allows for advanced students to be challenged with new material in a fun game-like experience. 

Declamation

An Aiken Prep tradition since 1946, students in PK – Grade 12 memorize an age-appropriate speech, poem, or monologue, and recite it in front of their peers.  The best from each class in PK – grade 4 will go on to recite their piece in a Declamation Showcase in the St. Thaddeus Sanctuary in front of friends and family. The opportunity to memorize and recite a selected work increases vocabulary, enhances diction, and strengthens public speaking skills.  The confidence instilled in these students results in poised and articulate adults.