Lower School
A Message from the Lower School Head
Diversity is at the heart of who we are. We value and celebrate each student’s background, identity, and perspective.
Welcome to the Lower School at IDEAL!
At IDEAL, we’re proud to be the only fully inclusive independent school in New York City. Our Lower School serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade in a warm, welcoming environment that supports every child’s unique learning journey. With help from our expert teachers, students grow academically, develop curiosity, and build relationships with both peers and teachers.
Diversity is at the heart of who we are. We value and celebrate each student’s background, identity, and perspective. Here, students learn to think critically, respect differences, and see the world with awareness and empathy.
We also hold high expectations for academic success. With small class sizes and personalized instruction, our teachers help each student grow in ways that are meaningful and engaging. Through hands-on projects and creative, cross-subject learning, students gain confidence in their ideas and how to express them. Our priority on academic rigor insures that students will be intellectually challenged each and every day.
Thanks for exploring IDEAL. Come see our Lower School in action — we look forward to meeting you!
Daniel Sussman
Lower School Head
Lower School Curriculum
The IDEAL School of Manhattan fosters academic excellence through inclusive education. In our Lower School, students of all abilities – gifted, typically developing, and those with learning differences – attend class together in a supportive community. Our experienced teachers use personalized, research-based instruction to help every child reach their full potential.
Lower School Curricula:
- Wilson Foundations for phonics
- Heggarty for phonemic awareness
- Junior Great Books for reading
- Thoughtful Learning for grammar
- TERC Investigations for math
Creative Arts & Languages
The creative arts are deeply integrated into learning. Full classes meet twice a week, and smaller elective classes are available. In Lower School art classes, students create work that becomes part of their Science Expo, and in music class, they work on pieces performed during monthly assemblies, which focus on the Words of the Month. IDEAL schedules ensure students participate in full-class arts programming while allowing time for necessary therapies without disrupting arts, PE, or academics.
Students build confidence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking by studying Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL). Language learning is hands-on and creative, using music, movement, and real-world connections to help students understand different cultures, including Spanish-speaking and Deaf communities in New York City and beyond. All Lower School students study a language unless a team decision is made that extra support in literacy or therapies is more appropriate.
Visual Art
The Lower School visual art program encourages creativity and self-expression while building basic art skills. Students explore drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. They learn key ideas such as color, composition, and good studio habits.
As students grow more confident, they develop their own artistic voices and work more independently. Throughout the year, they study different artists and styles for inspiration. The year ends with ArtBeat, IDEAL’s annual art show that celebrates student creativity and growth.
Music
The Lower School music program builds curiosity, creativity, and confidence while giving students a strong foundation in music. In the fall, students focus on singing and music basics, learning skills like ear training, breathing, harmony, rhythm, melody, and pitch.
In the spring, students shift to instrumental music, playing Orff instruments, percussion, recorders, ukulele, and guitar. They make music together as an ensemble and create their own melodies. The program strengthens community through shared musical experiences and encourages a lifelong love of music.
Languages
Spanish (Grades K-5)
Students study Spanish throughout Lower School, building skills through songs, games, stories, basic vocabulary, pronunciation, and everyday communication. They also learn about Spanish-speaking countries, traditions, holidays, food, and leaders.
American Sign Language (Grades K-4)
ASL is introduced in Grades K–4 through songs and simple conversations. Over time, students use ASL more independently, building fluency and learning about Deaf culture and inclusion.