We teach the whole child and utilize a multisensory, metacognitive approach to help students understand and appreciate how they learn and bridge gaps between their potential and their skills.
Research shows that the earlier a student with learning differences is introduced to the specialized instruction required to overcome their challenges, the more quickly and solidly they close the gaps in their academic achievement. And, that is exactly what happens at Lawrence Lower School—students may join us as struggling learners, but with our small class sizes and multisensory techniques, they instantly feel at home, gain confidence in their abilities, and grow into competent readers, writers, and mathematicians!
At a glance, Lower School looks a lot like other schools, and some traditional approaches to teaching and assessment are an important part of our school day. However, the following hallmarks of our program are anything but traditional:
With an average of only nine learners in a Lower School classroom, our student-to-teacher ratio ensures that every student is given the attention and individualized instruction needed to meet his/her unique needs.
Our classes are grouped by ability instead of age for both language arts and math, so there’s no “kindergarten” or “third grade class.” Students are paired with other kids who are learning and growing at comparable levels. Progress is monitored on an ongoing basis and class groupings can change as students advance.
We employ an Orton-Gillingham-based multisensory approach to both language arts and math. Students with learning differences process and retain information better when it’s presented using at least two modalities (visual, tactile, auditory, and kinesthetic) at the same time. In every class you’ll see students writing in shaving cream and sand, sculpting in clay, moving beads as they count along, and more.
Rather than sitting in uniform rows of desks, our students can be found walking, standing, and even dancing during instruction time. Research shows that physical activity improves memory and concentration. From sky writing words in the air to moving their hands with our classroom drills to rocking, wobbling, and bouncing on our active classroom furniture, we infuse movement into our lessons at every opportunity!
We use an evidence-based approach to classroom management that focuses on engaging academics, positive community, and social-emotional learning. Our students are taught to be good citizens of our school and the world.
The Lower School Campus
Lower School is located in Broadview Heights. Originally built in 1921, the building has been a home to generations of learners.
Academics
Lower School offers a powerful dose of intensive learning that just can’t be matched by after-school tutoring or pull-out instruction at a traditional school.
Student Life
Lawrence students explore their passions and make lifelong memories through fun after-school activities, in-school assemblies, and field trips to Northeast Ohio’s many museums and cultural institutions.
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In education, one size clearly does not fit all.
We're committed to reframing the conversation about the way children learn.
What We Offer
We are Lawrence!
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Reopening Lawrence
With traditionally small class sizes, we’re uniquely positioned to offer a safe and healthy in-person learning environment.
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