Lower School (Grades K-6)

Academic Rigor

Gilmour is accredited by ISACS, the gold standard for independent schools. The distinction affirms both its independence and its commitment to the highest standards of academic excellence. Students begin their academic journey at Gilmour in our Montessori Toddler program, starting at 18 months. They then seamlessly transition to our traditional Grades K-6, before progressing to our Middle and Upper Schools, to expand on the foundation built at the Lower School. Small class sizes with differentiated instruction to target students’ needs are coupled with engaging, hands-on lessons, cutting-edge technology and a focus on public speaking. The result is a classroom experience that ensures each child is supported, challenged and develops a lifelong love of learning.

Educating the Whole Child

As a Catholic school, Gilmour believes service is vital in developing the whole child. Religion classes encourage students from all faith backgrounds to reflect on how they may use their unique talents to serve others and foster an atmosphere of belonging and dignity. Class service trips encourage social responsibility, increase social awareness, build self-esteem and foster friendships and relationships.

The Impact of the Lower School

Students who begin their Gilmour journey in the Lower School consistently emerge as leaders in the Middle and Upper Schools. Their experience in the Lower School provides students with a remarkable head start, building skills, habits and foundational academic strengths that carry them through their entire academic journey. When these students enter the Middle and Upper Schools, they often do so at an advanced level compared to peers who arrive later. These early advantages empower them to thrive and lead in the classroom and beyond.

One School. One Campus.

Gilmour’s Lower, Middle and Upper Schools are all housed on our 144-acre campus, allowing for multi-age programming and a connection between students in all three divisions. Our campus includes a recently renovated playground, a swimming pool and two NHL-sized hockey rinks. In fact, swimming and skating lessons are part of the physical education program!

Community

The Lower School community is tight-knit, with faculty, staff and parents working together to provide much more than an extraordinary education — they provide a family. Opportunities abound to connect with other members of the community. There is no shortage of fun, with events ranging from the Back-to-School Family Cookout to Trunk-or-Treat, Christmas Family Gathering, music concerts and the annual Lower School Spring Carnival.

Small Group Instruction & Personalized Learning

Gilmour’s teachers know each child uniquely and use small-group instruction to deliver targeted, rigorous learning experiences. This personalized approach ensures students are continually challenged, supported and inspired to grow to their fullest potential.

Robust Specials Programming

Students have daily specials, allowing them to discover new interests. Spanish instruction begins in preschool. Arts opportunities abound, with instruction in both the visual and performing arts. Students develop a moral compass in religion classes. STEM, combining coding and design thinking, begins in kindergarten. And PE keeps students active and promotes wellness habits for a lifetime.

Nature-Based Learning

Gilmour’s Nature-Based Learning program offers our students many opportunities to learn outside the classroom walls. Whether growing vegetables in the green-house and Giving Gardens, collecting eggs from the chicken coop or harvesting honey from the apiary, children cultivate a deep sense of environmental appreciation, consciousness and social responsibility as they care for God’s creation.

Community Block

At Gilmour, learning extends far beyond the classroom — especially during our Lower School Community Block, a signature program that fosters curiosity, collaboration and choice. Held on Friday afternoons, Community Block allows students to explore their passions through rotating, interest-based activities in mixed-age groups — from performing arts and nature based learning, to swimming and skating, and wellness activities such as hiking and yoga. By giving students a voice in selecting their experiences each quarter, we nurture independence, creativity and connection across grade levels.