Lower School

The Out-of-Door Lower School strives for academic excellence in a warm, responsive atmosphere that challenges each student to explore and enrich their academic and creative talents. Embracing the mission to develop the "whole child" intellectually, socially, and physically, programs and activities reflect an ambitious age appropriate curriculum, while still maintaining a focus on nurturing and mentoring each individual. We believe the key to future personal and academic success is the early establishment of self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, and an enjoyment of learning. It is with these goals in mind that Out-of-Door's caring professionals present a balanced program of academic, artistic, and athletic activities. The quality of the faculty and curriculum are the key factors necessary for the positive, motivating, educational experience that is so essential during these years.

The Out-of-Door Lower School campus on Siesta Key has been cited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools for its "wonderful ambience as it fuses old and new," and it continues to evolve as an outstanding educational facility. Portions of the school date back to 1924 when the school was founded. Modern facilities include newly expanded classrooms, a 17,000+-volume library, music room, art studios, technology labs and mobile labtop carts, science labs, and a studio for the student-run campus TV station, WODA.

The standard curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science, richly balanced with special classes in Spanish, art, music, library, technology, and physical education classes. After-school programs for the Lower School students include an intramural sports program for grades 2-6, extended day care (as well as before-school care), and the Prime Time (formerly known as Encore) Program, which offers students a variety of classes in the visual and performing arts.

Please browse the pages in this section for information on the curriculum and faculty of each of the Out-of-Door Academy Lower School grades, pre-kindergarten through sixth.