Welcome from the Head

The Lower School is a vibrant and growing community for our youngest Marksmen to explore their curiosities and develop strong study habits. In grades one through four, the journey on the Path to Manhood begins in a safe and supportive environment where emphasis is placed on the “whole boy.” Students are guided by teachers who understand the wonder of boys and their development. Lower School faculty members believe in the potential of every boy in their class and provide an abundance of experience as they guide them through the Fojtasek Family Lower School.

While a strong academic curriculum is at the forefront of the Lower School, careful attention is given to social, emotional and cognitive development, and relationships are at the heart of our community. The Lower School is a place where students are pushed academically and urged to become young men of courage and honor through our Character and Leadership Education Program. During these formative four years, students learn the virtues of leadership: honesty, respect, kindness, fairness, perseverance and empathy. This code of conduct is engrained across our classrooms, chapel, music room, playground, and playing fields. The philosophy of educating the “whole boy” means learning with wise heads, responsive hearts and skilled hands. Through this theme, students learn what it means to lead by example and become the Marksmen we want them to be.

The Lower School provides boys with countless opportunities to explore their passions, engage with older Marksmen and participate in community service projects. The Telos program provides an opportunity for fourth graders to learn about leadership and conflict resolution from Upper School students, and first through third graders are paired with a “senior buddy” to provide a relationship with an older Marksmen. The youngest Marksmen are encouraged to attend Upper School sporting events, drama performances and concerts to grow a stronger connection to everyone in the school community.

The Lower School is truly a special place where lifelong memories and friendships are made. Our faculty members pour their hearts into all they do, and the uniqueness of each boy is celebrated. It is a privilege to work alongside such a talented faculty and to entrust my own two boys to their care and expertise. Our world is everchanging and growing, and the four years spent in the Lower School not only prepares boys for Middle School but also provides a strong foundation for growth as good men of character, independent thinkers, creative collaborators and servant leaders.
 
Marion Glorioso-Kirby
Head of Lower School

The Lower School Leadership Wall is a time-honored tradition that combines lessons of character, leadership, history, writing, public speaking, and civil discourse. Each year, boys research and nominate historical leaders and engage in a robust debate over their preferred candidates. After the final selection is made, the boys make a special presentation, highlighting the achievements of their honoree. 

Leadership Wall Honorees
2008 – George Washington
2009 – Abraham Lincoln
2010 – Martin Luther King, Jr.
2011 – Harriet Tubman
2012 – John F. Kennedy
2013 – Mahatma Gandhi
2014 – Nelson Mandela
2015 – Dr. Norman Borlaug
2016 – Mother Teresa
2017 – Malala Yousafzai
2018 – Jackie Robinson
2019 – Rosa Parks
2020 – Alexander Hamilton
2021 – Barack Obama
2022 – Neil Armstrong
2023 – Benjamin Franklin
2024 – Winston Churchill