Academics

Lower School

At ESA Lower School, students begin their journey toward independence. With the Schoolwide Enrichment Model as the foundation for the program, Lower School teachers identify talents and interests, and through them encourage students to explore and learn. 
Differentiation within classrooms and opportunities for enrichment allow teachers to ensure that every student progresses throughout the year. Below you'll find some of our lower school Fly on the Wall videos for a peek into our classrooms.










What Sets ESA Apart

List of 7 items.

  • Expert Teachers

    Almost every Lower School teacher either has a master's degree in gifted education or is currently working toward the degree. Teaching assistants hold bachelor's degrees, and many are also working on master's.

  • Differentiation

    At ESA Lower School, students learn at their own pace. Teachers group students by ability level, with groups changing depending on subject and interest. By differentiating instruction, teachers give students their own sets of goals and challenges. Learners receive the support they need, whether it's to master the skills appropriate for their grade level or to move well beyond those skills.

  • Enrichment Clusters

    A key component of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model, enrichment clusters bring students together in interest groups across grade levels. Read more about Enrichment Clusters (1st-5th) and Investigative Teams (PK-K) on our Enrichment page.

  • Specials

    Along with language arts, math and social studies, Lower School students enjoy Specials: movement, art, music, science, library and, beginning in third grade, French.

  • Chapel

    Each morning, students and teachers gather in the Enrichment Center for Chapel, a time of worship, singing, sharing and learning from each other. Teachers often tell stories from their lives or share a favorite scripture. Students offer well-prepared presentations about kindness, staying in the struggle, service opportunities and even the dress code. Chapel ends with prayer requests and announcements.

  • Chromebooks

    Third, fourth and fifth graders are introduced to technology through Google Chromebooks, which give them the ability to access digital tools and resources in all their subject areas. They learn research, keyboarding, digital citizenship and other applications in a safe environment.

  • Learning Center

    ESA's Lower School Learning Center program is a program adoption site for the The Hill Center, a nationally recognized School and Teacher Training Center for Learning Differences, Learning Disabilities and ADHD in Durham, North Carolina. The Learning Center gives students the reading, writing, math, organization, and study skills assistance they need to succeed now and to find success independently.

List of 1 items.

  • Enrichment Center

    The Lafayette campus was designed specifically with young learners in mind. The academic building provides a flexible setting to meet the needs of our unique curriculum. The Enrichment Center houses a science lab, art and music studios, a makerspace, and library and chapel spaces - environments that encourage creativity and exploration.

List of 4 items.

  • Exploring Design Thinking

    Lower School students learn design thinking and the iterative process to tackle fun and engaging challenges in the Idea Lab.
    Read More

  • The 5th-Grade Trip

    Fifth graders spend a week at the Teton Science Schools in Wyoming, where they conduct field research, study the flora and fauna of the area, and explore the snow-covered trails.
    Read More

  • The Magic of Small Groups

    ESA’s mission and the Lower School’s model can be found in these daily rotations.
    Read More

  • Performing Arts

    In the Lower School, performing arts are introduced through music class, choir, and the Lower School musical.
    Read More

Downloads

Episcopal School of Acadiana

Episcopal School of Acadiana is a private coeducational day school for students in grades PK3 through 12. Our mission is to instill in every student the habits of scholarship and honor.

Episcopal School of Acadiana (Lafayette Campus)

PK3 through 5th grade
721 E. Kaliste Saloom Rd. Lafayette LA, USA 70508
Phone: 337-993-2263

Episcopal School of Acadiana (Cade Campus)

6th through 12th grades
1557 Smede Rd. at Hwy. 92 Broussard, LA, USA 70518
Phone: 337-365-1416
ESA does not discriminate on the basis of physical disability, race, religion, gender, or national or ethnic origin.
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