Lower School

Our Lower School students are joyful, actively engaged learners who thrive working with experienced teachers.

The curriculum is challenging, flexible, and designed to keep bodies and minds active as students build their skills and broaden their understanding and appreciation of the world, the community, and themselves. Our students understand that learning happens when they go beyond what is comfortable and take risks, and they are fortunate to be able to take those risks in a community built on kindness.

GSB 2020: An Extraordinary Year

With courage, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to safety, the Gill St. Bernard's community responded to the Covid-19 pandemic the only way it knows how — together. We're proud to have offered more days of in-person learning during the 2020-21 school year than any other area school.

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Our Philosophy

Guided by their sense of wonder, children establish the framework for a lifetime of learning with the support of nurturing and experienced educators. 

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Lower School Traditions 

Our grade-level and full Lower School traditions provide endless opportunities to create connections and apply classwork in creative, collaborative ways.

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Social & Emotional Learning

Our GSB Core Values of courage, integrity, respect, compassion, and excellence are purposefully modeled and explored.

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PE Every Day

The role that PE plays as part of the broader academic curriculum is profound. It actively fosters the physical, social and emotional, and cognitive development of students.

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After School

Our after-school programs extend the school day with academic, enrichment, and interest-based activities.

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FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Lower School.

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Recent Lower School News

Lower School Director Kyle Armstrong

Kyle Armstrong serves as the Director of Lower & Middle Schools. He holds more than 20 years of experience working in independent schools.

Prior to joining GSB, he was Associate Head for Academics for a K-8 independent school. He also has experience as a history teacher, baseball and basketball coach, and eighth-grade team leader.

Mr. Armstrong holds an M.A. from Lesley College in Massachusetts, and a B.A. in History from Trinity College in Connecticut. Kyle’s wife, Kristen, is GSB’s Upper School Librarian. They have two children at Gill.

Teacher Spotlight: Sarah Schultz

Sarah grew up in a household with phenomenal educators, including her mom, who taught second grade in Chester for 33 years. With her mom as her educational role model, she also learned the importance of communicating with parents and maintaining a healthy balance between work and family.

Meet Sarah