Lower School
In a school day filled with exploration and creativity, K-4 children master skills that will serve them throughout life. Whether in the classroom, on the playground or at the lunch table, every Lower School activity is an opportunity for learning life skills.
Our Philosophy
Beginning in Kindergarten, learning centers provide opportunities to understand abstract ideas through exploration. In third grade, students learn economic lessons through their own student-run business; and in fourth grade, students learn to collaborate while exploring Tennessee history at James White Fort in downtown Knoxville. We are proud to offer extraordinary learning experiences unique to our school.
World Language
The Episcopal School now offers both Mandarin and Spanish in the Lower and Middle Schools, plus Middle School Latin. The goal of our foreign language program is to take full advantage of the heightened receptivity of the young mind.
Personal Guidance
Helping children meet their social and emotional needs in the school setting has a positive impact on their educational progress.
Students learn positive character traits, problem and conflict solving, study skills, manners, handling anger, relationship building, personal safety and many other developmentally-appropriate skills.
Personal Growth
ESK empowers students to recognize and develop their full potential as lifelong learners. Through a supportive and challenging academic environment, we nurture curiosity, build confidence, and inspire a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom.
Current Technology
Students are introduced to modern coding and technology beginning in Kindergarten. Starting in 2nd grade, each student is provided with a personal Chromebook.
Learn Through Fun
Hands-on learning is at the heart of our curriculum, fostering active engagement, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. Through interactive projects and experiential activities, students deepen their understanding by applying concepts in meaningful and practical ways.
430
current students
9
enrichment classes
JK3-8th
participate in ecoliteracy classes
9:1
student-teacher ratio
"ESK helped me to see the value in exploring new topics. Curiosity is always encouraged here."
2022 ESK Alumni
Music
The goal of the music program is to begin to build a lifelong love and appreciation for music. Students are exposed to the classics, contemporary and multicultural music. In the classroom, they will sing, move and play varied classroom instruments. Students will begin the study of reading music, analyzing performances and creating their own melodies through improvisation.
Students explore a variety of instruments including drums, recorders, xylophones and much more. Students also prepare for special performances throughout the year, including a Thanksgiving program, Christmas programs and Folk Dancing Day.
Art
Art is serious fun. It is serious in the sense that students learn about art concepts and artists through a variety of media. All children are encouraged to develop their own individual artistic potential.
Language Arts
Utilizing a rich selection of quality children’s literature, students learn to locate and use information through activities integrated throughout the core curriculum.
Math
By the end of fourth grade, students have been introduced to the skills and concepts necessary for them to be successful in the pre-algebra to algebra sequence of middle school.
World Language
Using an approach that includes songs, games and pictures, world language classes are taught with very little translation.
Physical Education
Students maximize well-being by fostering the development of athletic skills, leadership, perseverance, and fair play.