Lower School (K-5th) - Maclay School

This is where bright thinkers blossom.

Where Young Learners Take Flight

Every child arrives at Maclay with a story already in progress, their own passions, curiosities, and dreams. In our Lower School, we meet each student exactly where they are, creating a nurturing environment where those qualities don't just survive, they flourish. Here, children are encouraged to take risks, stretch their thinking, and rise to their fullest potential because we believe that's where real growth begins.

6

Rotating Co-Curricular

Classes

100%

Responsive

Classrooms

2

Daily Recess

Periods

18

Average Students

in a Class

22%

Students of

Diversity

The Lower School Difference

Smaller Class Sizes

With an average of 18 students per class, every child receives the individual attention they deserve. Kindergarten and 1st Grade classrooms are supported by a full-time assistant, ensuring each learner is seen, supported, and ready to thrive.

A teacher in a teal shirt stands in front of a whiteboard with student work displayed, while a child's raised hand is in the foreground.

Co-Curricular Courses of Enrichment

On an 8-day rotating schedule, every Lower School student attends dedicated classes in STEM, Art, Drama, PE, Music, and Spanish, so that students receive a rich, well-rounded education that nurtures curiosity and creativity alongside core academics.

Three young girls, dressed as Dorothy, a character from Little Red Riding Hood, and another in a blue dress, walk together in front of a building with a light-colored facade.

Center for Academic Excellence

The CAE is Maclay's dedicated hub for both academic support and enrichment. Whether a student needs additional guidance or is ready to be challenged beyond the classroom, the CAE provides personalized pathways for every learner to reach their full potential.

A smiling teacher poses with two young students at a desk in a classroom with educational charts on the wall.

Wellness

Student well-being is a top priority at Maclay. A full-time school counselor, campus nurses, and dedicated security team work together every day to ensure our Lower School is a safe, healthy, and nurturing place for every child.

A young girl in a navy uniform with a pink bow in her hair walks forward, while a boy in a similar uniform follows behind her, both carrying backpacks and water bottles in front of a blurred outdoor walkway.

Once School Community

At Maclay, community is more than a word; it's a way of life. Big Buddy opportunities connect Lower School students with each other. Volunteerism and opportunities through the Maclay Community Association create vital parent partnerships.

A family poses with Viking helmets and fake beards in front of a donut-themed backdrop.

Before and After School

Maclay’s 360 program provides afterschool Kids Club that turns the end of the school day into an extension of the fun, offering a safe, caring space where Lower School students can play, create, and connect with friends under the guidance of dedicated staff.

A group of young children in school uniforms stand on a playground with a fence and trees in the background.

Level Up Enrichments

Our Level Up opportunities make afternoons even more exciting, with programs like the Maclay Music Academy, Robotics, ASG Soccer, and Seminole High Performance Tennis.

Two young boys in formal attire play cellos in the foreground, with a blurred background of blue bleachers and white chairs.

K-5 Curriculum

Language Arts

From the earliest days of letter recognition in Kindergarten to the nuanced literary analysis of 5th Grade, Maclay's Language Arts program builds confident, independent readers and writers. Students progress from phonemic awareness and basic decoding skills to exploring diverse genres, developing comprehension strategies, and crafting polished writing across multiple styles. Throughout every grade, a love of reading and the ability to communicate clearly and thoughtfully remain at the heart of the curriculum.

Math

Maclay's math program takes students from foundational number sense and basic operations in Kindergarten through increasingly complex concepts in 5th Grade, including fractions, decimals, multi-step problem solving, and real-world applications. Across all grades, students are encouraged to communicate mathematical thinking, collaborate in groups, and develop multiple strategies for solving problems, building both computational fluency and critical reasoning skills.

Social Studies

Social Studies at Maclay expands students' understanding of the world around them grade by grade, from community helpers and classroom citizenship in Kindergarten, to U.S. geography and Florida history in 4th Grade, to global economics, civic responsibility, and historical perspectives in 5th Grade. Through an inquiry-based approach, students develop skills in communication, map reading, collaborative discussion, and critical thinking about their roles as members of local and global communities.

STEM

Beginning with hands-on exploration of the natural world in Kindergarten, the STEM program grows into a rigorous blend of scientific inquiry and engineering design by 5th Grade. Students observe, investigate, and experiment across topics that span life science, earth science, physics, and chemistry, always developing scientific vocabulary and learning to ask questions, test solutions, and communicate their findings. iTHINKERS is also offered through the CAE to K-4 students who have a special interest in STEM.

Spanish

Physical Education

In Lower School Physical Education, students develop the fundamental movement skills, physical fitness, and sportsmanship that lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy activity. From basic locomotor skills and body awareness in the early grades to cooperative games, gymnastics, and fitness assessments in the upper grades, students are challenged to grow physically, build confidence, and embrace the joy of movement.

The Arts

Maclay's Lower School arts experience encompasses both visual and performing arts, giving every student multiple ways to discover and express their creativity. In the visual arts, students explore a wide variety of media and techniques, progressing from foundational color and shape exploration to developing personal artistic voice, technique, and critical thinking. On the performing arts side, students engage in Music and Drama, building confidence, imagination, and collaboration through storytelling, performance, instrument instruction, and creative expression. Together, these experiences nurture the whole child and bring joy and meaning to the Lower School journey.

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