This small classroom model permits individualized and small-group attention. It also allows flexibility, so teachers in the room can move between small-group instruction, whole-group instruction, and individual questions to best serve the students.

Lower Division Focus

Student work is focused on remediation and learning student skills, such as following directions, friendship, communication, and building routines.

Panther Block

Students receive support in grade-level academic content, as well as daily remediation through what we call “Panther Block.” “Panther Block'' focuses on the prioritized area of remediation, including Orton-Gillingham, math, writing, and comprehension. “Panther Block” is built around the needs of the students each year, allowing for more flexibility in offerings. This approach enables non-intuitive learners to acquire the academic subskills necessary for success, both with higher-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Importance of Movement

We understand movement is developmentally important for this age group. For that reason, students are given three structured breaks throughout the school day.

Library

The Lower Division common space includes a library to allow teachers to assist students with reading levels. 

Community Building

To build community, the Lower Division holds morning gatherings and morning meetings where students gather to discuss the day's plans while practicing student self-regulation skills.