Lower School
Light-Filled, Child-Centered, Curriculum-Driven
Our vision for a campus transformation includes an Academic Village with a new lower school designed for our curriculum and teachers, for what research tells us about the way children learn and grow, and to provide our students with the knowledge and skills they will need to thrive in a complex world.
The new lower school will reshape learning for our youngest students and unite pre-K to 12 students in a vibrant academic community.
This new building will feature:
- Learning communities on three levels: pre-K, K and 1 on the first floor; grades 2 and 3 on the second floor; and grades 4 and 5 on the third floor
- Multilevel library
- Spaces for studio, movement, flex; language, art, science, music; IdeaLab, woodshop
- Outdoor learning spaces
- Hardscape and natural play spaces
The campus master planning project determined that the very best place to build the new lower school now, as well as for the future development of our 47-acre campus, is on the site of the current field house. Moving the functions of the field house to a new Athletics and Wellness Center adjacent to Maguire Field creates the opportunity to build the lower school in the best location—and create a vibrant, collective Academic Village.
Lower School Stories
Learning to Learn Remotely
Penn Charter launched its Distance Learning Plan in March 2020, marking a community-wide pivot to new forms of teaching and learning.
Project Stormwater: Students Tackle Environmental Challenge
Twelve Penn Charter fourth graders spent a week last May constructing a hyper-absorbent garden to manage rainfall in a puddle-prone corner of campus.
Life Skills on the Run
Girls on the Run is a national program that encourages girls empowerment by teaching life skills and running. Penn Charter has hosted a chapter of Girls on the Run since 2016, filled to capacity each season.
Join Us
You are here because Penn Charter matters to you, too.
Join us to advance our shared mission and goal to create the most challenging, exhilarating educational program.