Academics
Lower School
The Lower School’s superior academics are enhanced by unique programs that promote crucial growth and development of our youngest students. Our academically and intellectually rigorous curriculum emphasizes the mastery of essential skills through collaborative inquiry and customized learning environments.
The core curriculum of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies is enhanced with the seven Specials that provide innovative approaches to problem-solving through age-appropriate instruction. By studying Spanish, art, music, MITT (Meaningful, Innovative, and Transformative Transliteracy), STEM, marine science, and physical education, students begin to develop an expansive world view from their earliest educational experience.
ODA’s culture of innovation is balanced with rich traditions designed to teach critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity. Our educational approach lays the foundation for lifelong learning from curious students who seek to understand the world around them.
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Enrichment Clusters
Each semester, all students and teachers from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade participate in a gifted model known as Enrichment Clusters. During this time, all participants are exposed to a variety of topics based on their interests. Whether they are novice or experienced with that topic, students of mixed ages are grouped by interest to a semester long, student driven cluster where they work collaboratively to explore, question, and share their learning. Mixed age grouping allows community relationships to grow across the campus, leadership opportunities will emerge, and students of all ages experience the value of learning through others. The semester of inquiry ends with a demonstration day allowing all groups to celebrate what they learned together. Students may choose from over 15 exciting topics, from drama and gardening to yoga and interior design (and everything in between!) covering all dimensions of Howard Gardener’s Multiple Intelligences so that every child’s interest, ability, and learning style is met.
View the Lower School Curriculum
See what's happening in the Lower School
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Faculty Presentations on Empowering Students Inspire Educators at Regional Conference
Earlier this month, three Out-of-Door Lower School teachers were featured presenters at the FCIS Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida.Click to Learn More -
Screen Time: Guest Speaker Shares Sobering Statistics and Practical Solutions
Lower School parents filled the Multi-Purpose Room during Wednesday’s “Coffee & Conversation” to listen to child psychologist Dr. Angela Steranko speak about responsible electronic use for their children.Click to Learn More -
Columbia University Professor Shares Research on Algae Blooms
Dr. Joaquim Goes, a research professor at Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University visited both campuses this week as part of our ongoing partnership with Columbia University. Dr. Goes’ research focuses on understanding how ocean ecosystems and plankton are responding to climate change. His studies on the effects of global warming and the subsequent melting Himalyan ice caps, shifting air and water currents, and massive increase in both the “green tide” and Dead Zone of the Arabian Sea parallel the algae issues we have been experiencing in the Gulf of Mexico.Click to Learn More -
Second Grade Project Incorporates Culture, Sustainability, and Art
As part of their unit about the culture of Guatemala, second graders in Mrs. Mejicanos’ Spanish class enjoyed a reading of “Rainbow Weaver” by Linda Elovitz Marshall. The story revolves around Ixchel, a young Mayan girl, who has learned the traditional art of weaving from her mother. Ixchel’s mother doesn’t have money to buy the colorful thread she wants to use to make her own creations because she is saving to buy her school supplies. She discovers that she can use the many plastic grocery bags that she finds along the roadside, simultaneously helping to clean up her village and repurpose plastic bags into something beautiful. Ixchel gets other people in the village to help her collect discarded plastic bags which she weaves into colorful products to sell at the town market, earning enough money to buy her school supplies.Click to Learn More -
Art Under the Banyan: Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
ODA’s youngest students show their creativity at outdoor art exhibition. Click here to view photos from the event.Click to Learn More
The "Four Cs": creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking provide the foundation for our early childhood program.
The Out-of-Door Academy
LOWER SCHOOL | Historic Siesta Key Campus | Pre-K – Grade 5
444 Reid Street, Sarasota, FL 34242 | 941-349-3223 | Fax: 941-349-8133
444 Reid Street, Sarasota, FL 34242 | 941-349-3223 | Fax: 941-349-8133
MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOLS | Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch | Grades 6 – 8 | Grades 9 – 12
5950 Deer Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240 | 941-349-3224 | Fax: 941-907-1251
The Out-of-Door Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, gender, or national origin. The Out-of-Door Academy is an equal opportunity employer.
© 2019 The Out-of-Door Academy
© 2019 The Out-of-Door Academy