Children learn to speak clearly in full sentences, use proper syntax, develop sequential storytelling skills, and the ability to follow multi-step directions. The pre-kindergarten language arts curriculum focuses on the identification of upper and lower case letters, and their corresponding sounds. Children also develop an understanding of rhyming, opposites, analogies, synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms.

PK4 uses the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum, which develops fine motor skills in developmental increments. Letters are introduced and practiced according to what is developmentally appropriate.

The foundation of the preschool math program is based on the Eureka Math program. Through a defined scope and sequence, conceptual understanding through a repetition of core concepts is emphasized assuring mastery of each skill. Concepts and skills are presented through collaborative learning in partner, small group, and independent activities that incorporate hands-on manipulatives.

Instruction is differentiated to meet the individual needs of every child through beginning, building, and expanding lessons. Moving from concrete to abstract thinking skills, the preschool math curriculum establishes the basis for further learning.

The Lower School STEAM lab and all-school Cousteau Center for Marine Studies on the Knowlton Campus are truly places where each child’s inquisitive spirit develops and is able to soar. The students are immersed in hands-on experiences, enabling them to explore a variety of scientific concepts. These experiences strategically build from year-to-year and children work as scientists by inferring, predicting, observing, classifying, and recording data collected through their investigations. Students are scheduled for the STEAM lab once a week.

As part of the weekly curriculum-based labs, LEGO Education/Engineering is presented twice a year. The engineering facet begins in PK3 and the program continues to robotics in third and fourth grades.

• PK3 - Early Simple Machines: surface area, speed and gears.
• PK4 - Early Simple Machines: balance, weight, wind power, area.

Marine environmental awareness is built into the curriculum as students visit the Cousteau Center for Marine Studies (CCMS) on the upper campus once a semester. The students go to the CCMS Lab where the lessons are led by the Director of Marine Studies, upper school students and the Hough Science Specialist. HMS (Hough Marine Studies) Adventure is a yearlong program taught by the Science Specialist. Preschool units of study include:

• Cousteau Center for Marine Studies:
  • PK3 - Jellies and Under the Sea
  • PK4 - One Ocean and Manatees
• Hough Marine Studies:
  • PK3 - Ocean Animals I
  • PK4 - Ocean Animals II

The term “community” is incorporated into each thematic unit of study. Beginning with their classroom, children are exposed to differences and similarities amongst themselves and what it means to be a part of the classroom community and later, the larger school community.

Through discovery play and role-play children communicate, collaborate, problem solve, and act out what they have learned. Literature is a key component of the preschool social science curriculum. Carefully chosen books provide the children with an exposure to different cultures and points of view broadening their awareness of themselves and the world at large.

As a member of the Canterbury School of Florida community, each lower school student:

• Helps build a class of compassionate, respectful, thoughtful students who value and learn from each other.
• Conducts hands-on experiments in a dedicated lower school marine science laboratory.
• Learns healthy habits in our daily physical education and Health andWellness programs.
• Begins to study Spanish in PK3.
• Grows in confidence through public speaking, theatrical productions, and research presentations.
• Creates a welcoming environment and helps visitors and new students feel at home.
• Plays an active role in service learning projects that teach the importance of acceptance, integrity, cooperation, and fairness.

Our two campuses are like small neighborhoods, and Canterbury’s lower school is a close-knit community of students, parents, teachers, and staff that comes together to support each other at every opportunity and event. Our students encourage each other’s growth, interests and accomplishments, forging lifelong friendships.

This begins each morning, as all of our students (and most parents!) begin the day gathered around the American flag in our courtyard—a tradition that includes reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, singing our school honor code, and sharing announcements, personal celebrations and introduction of guests (and sometimes pets!). All parents are invited to attend and most stay to get to know each other and their child’s friends, starting each day in a spirit of community, modeling family values with their attendance. There is truly nothing like Flag--it’s just a part of the Canterbury experience you must attend to understand. Join us for morning Flag.

Our teaching team is the cornerstone of our academic program. Here, students become strong, independent thinkers guided by expert teachers who encourage their natural curiosity and help them master essential skills. Student-teacher relationships matter, and they are fostered with intent. Both faculty and the student body gain wisdom in an environment of mutual respect.

All of Canterbury’s lower school teachers hold Bachelor’s degrees; many have advanced degrees. Their passion for teaching and nurturing our younger students is evident. Alums frequently share—even after they've gone on to attend top tier colleges and universities—that many of their best teachers and most valuable lessons were from their time at Canterbury. Learn more about our teachers.

ABOVE: Lower school teachers dressed up as book character Pete the Cat to celebrate the Lower School Book Fair.

The development of character has been at the heart of a Canterbury education since the school's founding in 1968. In the Lower School, LEADS, the character education program makes important aspects of character tangible and memorable.

The LEADS theme is created each year by the teachers, and lessons are woven into teachable moments throughout each day. Every grade level creates their own LEADS skit each month and performs it at morning flag for their peers. Words like honesty, integrity, responsibility, compassion, self-discipline, perseverance and confidence are part of our school vernacular. For instance, the PK4 class performed a skit at Flag in front of parents and their peers, to explain the importance of respect. Reese and Riley were Superhero Rs for RESPECT!

The students end each morning Flag ceremony--and thus, start each day--by singing the school honor code:

As a member of the Canterbury family
I pledge to uphold my personal integrity
Promote equality and be respectful, and considerate.
I will be honest and sincere, facing each day
with a positive attitude!

Learn more about our character education program.

After-school care is offered until 5:30 p.m. for an additional fee. Students may complete homework, craft, play board games, read books, or play on the playground.