LOWER SCHOOL | GRADES 2-5
More than your typical private elementary school.
Noble Academy’s Lower School program uses direct instruction and
a multisensory approach to learning to meet the diverse needs of
students from second through the fifth grade.
While all classes and grade levels are based on the N.C. Standard
Course of Study, the teaching staff at Noble Academy recognizes
the unique needs of their students and differentiates their method
of instruction accordingly. Small class sizes make learning a customized,
rewarding experience. Through these special accommodations and
modifications, we ensure our Lower School curriculum is
accessible to all students.
By creating a safe, supportive environment, our teaching staff helps improve
students’ self-confidence, placing them in a better frame of mind to learn.
Each student at Noble Academy has an Academic Profile that is unique to his or her learning differences and challenges. The Noble Academy Way®, along with specific focus areas that pertain to that student's Steps to Academic Success, are reviewed within the Parent/Teacher
conferences that are held twice per school year. In addition, all involved address the student's Academic Profile, receive updated MAP scores and discuss the student's progress in each class.
Technology is integrated into many aspects of the Lower School program through hands-on activities and applications. Each classroom is equipped with a Smart Board. All students in the Lower School are required to have their own Google Chromebook or laptop for use during school and for homework. There are also additional Google Chromebooks or tablets on hand if needed that day, providing many opportunities for students’ interaction with technology. Students learn keyboarding to support the use of their Chromebooks.
MAP Assessment
Noble Academy uses NWEA’s MAP Assessment to measure progress and help guide instructional decisions. See the links below for more information about MAP at Noble Academy.
Click here to watch an eight minute video on the MAP Assessment at Noble Academy
Click here for the accompanying presentation (PDF)
Discover the Noble Academy Way®
To learn more about what makes our private elementary school in Greensboro, N.C., special and discover the Noble Academy Way®, we invite you to visit our school or contact a member of our Admissions team. You may reach our Admissions staff by phone: 336-282-7044 or contact us for more information.
Lower School Program
The Noble Academy Lower School program is divided into several integrated courses of study, including: English, reading, math, science, social studies, and specials. Social Emotional Learning is also an important part of student life at Noble Academy.
Developing students’ study skills is of vital importance in the Lower School program, preparing elementary school children for the increased expectations of independence in later grades. Students are taught multiple methods of study skills to find what best suits them as learners.
Students are placed in the literacy class that best meets their developmental needs. Math is taught using hands-on activities whenever possible, and a multisensory approach is taken with both literacy and math instruction. Science and social studies are taught in mixed-ability groups utilizing a rotating curriculum based on the needs of the students.
Specials classes follow a rotation schedule that includes physical education, performance arts, music (when offered), art, IDEApath, and a variety of other offerings on a yearly basis. Typically, a student performance is held at the end of the performance arts rotation.
English
Grammar skills are taught using the Shurley Grammar program. Noble Academy strongly believes in directly teaching students how to be writers. We use the Step Up to Writing Program, as well as other supplementary materials in the direct instruction of the writing process. Students take a formal writing assessment twice a year.
Reading
Students are placed into a reading class that best meets their instructional needs. Group Wilson® classes instruct students who need extra support in decoding and encoding in the Wilson Reading System®, while also incorporating additional practice on reading comprehension. Literature classes are for students who do not need instruction in phonics but still benefit from being taught reading strategies. Novels are frequently the method of delivery in literature classes and students are taught the parts of the novel and the difference between simply reading a novel and studying a novel. Combination classes support students who need instruction in reading strategies. These classes may contain some instruction in phonics and spelling while also incorporating novels and short stories to improve reading comprehension. Vocabulary is also stressed in combination classes.
Math
Math is taught using a multisensory approach where hands-on activities are used whenever possible. The Lower School currently uses the JUMP Math curriculum while infusing supplementary materials.
Science/Social Studies
Students have a rotating curriculum for science and social studies classes that are taught in mixed-ability groups. Classes are based on the N.C. Standard Course of Study.
Specialists
Students in grades 2-5 follow a rotation schedule that includes physical education, performance arts, music (when offered), art, IDEApath, and a variety of other offerings on a yearly basis. Students in physical education classes are introduced to fitness and team sports. Performance art explores the world of theatre through student productions, attendance at professional productions, and critiques of peer productions. Performances are held at the end of the performance art rotation. Art classes provide students with an understanding of the elements of art and the principles of design through a variety of media. Art exhibits are on display throughout the school year. IDEApath teaches students how to think outside of the box, build or create, and work together on a group project.
Social Emotional Learning
There is a full-time counselor for the Lower School and Middle School at Noble Academy. The counselor meets with all students in the Lower School during their Skill Building time throughout the year to cover the guidance curriculum that has a social emotional learning focus. She is also available for one-on-one or small group counseling sessions. Please see the “Guidance” tab under the “Academics” menu for more information on our guidance program.
Technology
Technology is integrated across many aspects of the Lower School curriculum to develop students’ word processing and presentation skills. Each class is equipped with a SmartBoard, which presents many opportunities for student participation. We also have iPads to use for practice, repetition, and reinforcement. Noble Academy students are required to have a laptop or Google Chromebook for use at school and for homework.
Athletics
Students in fifth grade are eligible to participate in two of the Middle School sports teams: cross country and basketball. Teams are open to athletes of any skill level and do not involve tryouts. Teams play against five other local private schools, and each sport includes a championship tournament. Typically, fifth graders are only allowed to participate in cross country and basketball unless the other sports are opened up to them by the coach.