Landon Private Elementary School | Bethesda MD

Teacher works with students on reading exercise

Grades 3-6

A happy, healthy, and active environment awaits every Lower School boy.

In the Lower School, boys experience a curriculum designed to instill foundational skills that will allow students to be successful throughout their academic careers. Our faculty know and apply the best practices for giving boys what they need to grow as engaged learners, passionate artists, and developing athletes.

Chase '31

Student

Loading from Vimeo...

Adam

Lower and Middle School Counselor

Loading from Vimeo...

Paige

Grade 4 Teacher

Loading from Vimeo...

We, as parents, remember our grade school teachers' names. We remember snack and recess. We remember how our teachers made us feel.

Experiences as elementary-age children directly impact our perceptions of school, our willingness to try something new, and our relationships in the future.

It is what inspires us at Landon to get this significant moment in childhood right.

- Tara montague, Head of lower school

14

Average Class Size

115

Movement Minutes per Day

31

Different ZIP Codes Represented

Anchor

Academics

Build a Foundation

An accomplished scholastic career at Landon begins in the Lower School, where we thoughtfully develop essential critical-thinking skills and social-emotional wellness.

We engage boys in projects and experiences that excite them about their learning, planting a positive perspective on education. Backed by the latest research, we approach every course, activity, and program through the lens of delivering what’s best for boys at this age.

Pedagogy

Landon uses Singapore Math's three-step learning model and is guided by Harvard University's "Project Zero" program, which uses thinking routines to develop and deepen critical thinking.

Projects

Students love our hands-on projects such as building spaghetti bridges and designing pumpkin cars. They leverage boys’ natural appetite for problem solving and competition.

Movement

We know that boys need to move and take breaks in order to focus and process. Our extended recess periods rejuvenate boys’ brains, boost cognitive development, and contribute to overall wellness.

11

Ethics Topics Explored Each Year

2

Science Labs

17

Field Trips Taken Each Year

Teacher-Coach-Mentor

Boys work harder and achieve more when they respect and connect with their teachers.

Landon faculty members are experts in boys’ education and know that boys will only fully open themselves to intellectual challenges and inspirational ideas when they trust that their teachers genuinely care about their well-being and success.

This is the basis of our entire educational approach—what we call teacher-coach-mentor. Our teachers will get to know your son not only in the classroom but also in the chorus room, on the playing field, and in ethics discussions. See how below!

curriculum guide designed for boys how we achieve

Daily Schedule

Landon's daily schedule for Lower School begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m., with before- and aftercare options.

Landon's developmentally appropriate schedule maximizes students' most attentive time periods, including language arts and math in the mornings, and quiet reading time before dismissal at the end of the day. As you can see, there are also multiple movement breaks during the day so boys can feel refreshed and ready to refocus on learning. This schedule below is one example, some days will include Spanish, art, assemblies, and more.

Top Row

Head of school greets student upon arrival — 8:15-8:30 a.m.

**Arrival**

Teacher and student work on sounding out words — 8:30-9:10 a.m.

**Language Arts & Reading**

Students work on foil boat construction — 9:15-9:55 a.m.

**Science**

Lower School students play spikeball — 9:55-10:15 a.m.

**Movement Break**

Lower School students speak to Upper School student leaders about ethics — 10:20-11:00 a.m.

**Ethics**

Middle Row

Students and teacher laugh at lunch table — 11:00-11:30 a.m.

**Lunch**

Students play math game — 11:35 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

**Math**

Lower School boy playing the trumpet — 12:20-1:00 p.m.

**Music**

Students play foursquare — 1:00-1:20 p.m.

**Movement Break**

Bottom Row

Students collaborate on social studies project — 1:20-2:00 p.m.

**Social Studies**

Student does long jump — 2:10-3:00 p.m.

**Athletics**

Students play with rubik's cube — 3:00-3:10 p.m.

**Transition Time**

Lower School students read — 3:10-3:30 p.m.

**Quiet Reading Time**

landon calendar

Portrait of a Graduate

Landon students are offered a unique experience. Our goal is that they will do something with it, that they will make a positive difference in their communities and the larger world, in ways big and small.

Our goal is that they will become virtuous and well-rounded men who contribute and give back to the common good out of both a sense of personal responsibility and an awareness that much has been given to them. Our ambition is that Landon graduates might be described individually and collectively – and throughout their lives – as persons who live into these characteristics and mindsets.

school misson & philosophy

Arts

From the very beginning of boys’ Landon experience, they are immersed in studio art, music, and theater.

They draw, paint, and sculpt in the art studio in Torrey Hall, perform in full-scale theatrical productions, and choose from 12 instruments to play in music courses. As they discover their artistic talents and decide which instruments or techniques they prefer, they begin to view creative expression as a habit and an integral part of their life.

Theater Arts

The entire Lower School is involved, either on stage or behind the scenes, in our annual spring musical production.

Performing Arts

Each boy participates in band, strings, or choral groups, which include classes, recitals, and concerts.

Studio Arts

Every Landon boy takes art classes. Students' work is displayed in our Landow Gallery along with Middle and Upper School pieces.

11

Instruments to Play in Music

2

Art Shows Each Year

100%

of Students Participate in School Play

Anchor

Athletics

Every Landon boy participates in athletics each day.

We believe that physical exercise and team collaboration are essential for boys' well-being and learning. Landon's teacher-coach-mentors focus on ensuring every boy achieves healthy development, and builds the fundamental skills to grow as an athlete and teammate, and learns the value of living a healthy life with exercise and time outdoors.

Season	Intramural	Interscholastic (Grade 5)
Fall	Flag Football Soccer	Flag Football Soccer
Winter	Basketball Wrestling Games	Basketball Wrestling
Spring	Baseball Lacrosse Track and Field	Baseball Lacrosse Tennis

Shrimp Bowl & Landon Cup

An annual, decades-long tradition of football and soccer between our Grade 3 and 4 students.

The Shrimp Bowl (flag football) and Landon Cup (soccer) divide the two grades into two teams, Brown and White. The events feature Bear spirit from the entire school, teamwork, fun, and, when necessary, lots of hot chocolate!

learn more about athletics

Anchor

Health, Wellness & Fitness

Health, wellness, and fitness is found in every facet of the Lower School experience.

Using the teacher-coach-mentor model, our teachers develop deep and meaningful relationships with the boys and address larger issues like empathy, self-esteem, sportsmanship, and humility in a one-on-one capacity. The Lower School community also participates in schoolwide lessons on these topics, and we create opportunities for boys to test out what they have learned.

Landon boys also have plenty of time during the day to stay active. Every boy, with every level of athletic ability, is encouraged to try different sports, and learn to enjoy and prioritize physical fitness. There are movement breaks between classes plus morning recess and afternoon athletics.

Boys are taught the connection between physical and mental health, and our lessons endeavor to help boys create a toolbox of coping skills and strategies for dealing with emotions and struggles. This work is in addition to classes for all grades on the stages of physical development.

Ethics, Service & Leadership

Character Pledge

Character development is central to all we do.

Our ability to advance this goal is dependent on the willingness of individual community members to agree to and embrace the principles of good character outlined in our Character Pledge. This Pledge serves as an overarching standard for daily ethical conduct and includes three parts: an Honor Code, a Civility Code, and our Core Values. Each year all Landon students, teachers, and staff are asked to read and sign a document pledging themselves to these principles.

Honor Code

I will not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate others doing so.

Civility Code

I will regard and treat all people – whether in word or deed – with respect and dignity. I will treat my relationships, school, surroundings, and myself similarly. I will not tolerate behaviors by others that run counter to the principles of respectful behavior and decency.

Core Values

Respect – Honesty – Teamwork – Responsibility – Perseverance – Kindness – Inclusivity – Courage – Gratitude – Humility – Service

The Lower School Ethics, Service, and Leadership program is grounded in an exploration of Landon’s Mission, Philosophy, and Core Values to answer the following key questions: What does it mean to be a good person? How and why do my actions, no matter how small, impact others?

The ethics curriculum also connects with social-emotional learning and Landon’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as students learn about themselves and develop empathy for others, especially those whose identities might be different from theirs. The goal of ethics, service, and leadership in the Lower School is to help boys know what a good choice looks like, feel motivated to make the good choice, and have the capacity to follow through with their actions.

Ethics Classes

Lower School boys participate in weekly ethics classes where they explore stories—their own and those of ethical role models. Through skits, age-appropriate case studies, and other methods, they learn to make the kinds of choices that build their character.

Buddies Program

Lower School boys regularly meet with our oldest Bears in our Buddies Program, which brings Upper School students to the Wilson Building to visit. The boys view our Upper School students as role models, who treat this responsibility with the seriousness it deserves.

Community Service

Throughout the year, boys pack lunches with students from our partner school, Holton-Arms, make Thanksgiving baskets for Bethesda Cares, and participate in all-school service projects with A Wider Circle on the National Day of Service to honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Be honest, do your best, and help the other fellow.

-Lower School motto

follow us on instagram

Anchor

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Respect is a core value of a Landon School education. And respecting others means respecting and celebrating their different journeys, backgrounds, and identities. Landon is committed to promoting supportive and welcoming traits like inclusivity and appreciating diversity and how it enriches the tapestry of the community. We seek to develop in our students the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to value differences, encouraging both speaking and acting with integrity and compassion and developing an informed and respectful worldview.

Lunar New Year

This work is supported by round table discussions, school assemblies, and events based on cultural celebrations.

They include Lunar New Year, and schoolwide events to honor Black History Month, Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month. Students are at the center of this work, as they share their own stories and become presenters at these events.

learn more about dei

Anchor

Afterschool Programs

Landon offers two afterschool programs. One is AfterCare, which runs from 3:30-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and includes homework, snack, and recess time. There is an additional charge for this program.

The Landon Enrichment and Afterschool Program (LEAP) expands the learning experience beyond the school day in creative, dynamic, and fun ways while supporting Landon’s core values. Classes are offered in six to eight-week sessions throughout the year, and they include topics such as cooking, robotics, and chess. Each class meets for 60 or 90 minutes after school, until about 4:45- 5:15 p.m. There is an additional charge for this program.

Anchor

FAQ

Who leads the Lower School?

Tara Montague has served as Landon's Head of Lower School since July 2019. Mrs. Montague was previously the Director of Studies at National Presbyterian School (NPS) in Washington, DC. Prior to her position as Director of Studies, Montague served as the school-wide learning specialist and as a homeroom teacher at NPS where she has been on the school's faculty for about a decade. With a master's degree in education, she has worked in independent schools for more than 20 years, taught in the Lower School at two all-boys schools — St. David's School (NY) and St. Albans (DC) — and is a product of independent education as a graduate of Punahou School (HI). Follow Montague on Twitter to enjoy her observations and news from the Lower School.

What if my son needs extra help with schoolwork?

We understand that every boy learns differently. If he needs extra help, his teachers and the Lower School specialist from our Center for Teaching and Learning Resources will work with you and your son to develop a plan tailored to his strengths and needs so he can improve academically, complete work on time, and develop a sense of confidence in his learning style.

What classes will he have?

He will learn the core subjects: writing, reading, math, science, social studies, and Spanish. In science, there are live animals in our lab who he can help care for. In music, he can choose an instrument to play or join the chorus. He will also take art classes, where he will learn to paint, draw, and work with clay. There are also classes on ethics, wellness, and physical fitness.

Does he get a computer at school?

How will he make new friends?

Are there events with girls schools?

Where does my son sit for lunch?

Can he do sports, music, drama, and art?

He will take a studio art class to develop painting, drawing, and sculpting skills; discover which instruments to play in a general music class with homeroom peers; and participate in a music group of his choice (Band, Strings or Chorus) that performs for the school, for parents, and at competitions. Also, all boys can—and are encouraged to—take part in the Lower School spring play as an actor, set designer, or stagehand. Recent productions include Lion King Jr., Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Honk Jr., and Schoolhouse Rock Live!

Is community service required?

While community service is not formally required, service to others is a big part of character education in the Lower School. Under the leadership of the Lower School Student Council, with help from teacher-coach-mentors and parents, students participate in projects to learn the value of service. Each year, Lower School make packed lunches and Thanksgiving baskets for those in need and collect canned goods for Bethesda Cares.

Are there field trips?

Our location in Bethesda, close to Washington, D.C., provides many field trip opportunities. Grade 3 social studies classes focus on the geography and history of Maryland, so he may visit Annapolis to experience our state capital. He may also visit the National Gallery of Art and learn about gems and fossils through the Mobile Mining program. Grade 4 learns about crabbing and the local wildlife with a visit to the Chesapeake Bay, watches a performance of Charlotte's Web at George Mason University, and better understands our history with a trip to the National Museum of the American Indian. Grade 5 visits the National Gallery of Art, takes a trip to Gettysburg to learn about civil war history, and meets authors at the bookstore Politics and Prose. Grade 6 also participates in field trips as well as a capstone project!

Are there fun events?

Each Halloween, Lower School boys compete against each other in our annual Pumpkin Races, where they learn about physics by racing pumpkins outfitted with wheels. Lower schoolers also get to play field games with the Middle and Upper Schools when they all compete together in Bear Games as part of our "One Landon Day" program. And there is also the annual Spelling Bee!

Who can he ask if he has questions?

Landon's teacher-coach-mentors are always ready to lend an ear. The same men and women who teach him in the classroom also coach him on the athletics field, advise him on the Student Council, and direct him on the stage. For example, Grade 5 Dean and Math Teacher Steven Micciche directs the Lower School play and coaches baseball and football in addition to his academic role in the Lower School.

Anchor

News & Calendar

Students mix concrete in environmental science class.

Modeling good manners

Lower School Bears participate in a challenge to help them lead with respect and kindness. Find out how the Manners Matter Challenge uses friendly competition to foster lasting behavior.

Gradem 5 students pose for a picture in front of the blackout poetry display

Blackout poetry a clear favorite

Grade 5 students used their creativity in multiple ways in a student and teacher favorite English class project called blackout poetry. See how they use the page of a book to create their own poem and artwork.

Students pose with their bridges and the book from the book club.

Bridging book club and STEM

Book club meets STEM in this hands-on, interactive Lower School collaboration.

Reporting live from Landon

Grade 4 students work on their research, writing, and presentation skills in their latest reading project. Meet the anchors of Bear Broadcast News!

Calendar