The Upland Primary Center
(PreK - 1st Grade)
Explore a Safe and Stimulating Learning Environment
The Primary Center at Upland Country Day School features our experienced, nurturing faculty who believe that children are naturally curious, creative, and eager. In the Primary Center, teachers encourage learning by doing, promote cooperation rather than competition, and have high expectations for the pursuit of educational excellence. These objectives are best achieved in a setting offering security, academic challenge, and a sense of achievement.
What will your child discover today?
In the Upland Primary Center, we pair the unbridled enthusiasm and boundless curiosity of our PreK through 1st grade students with a rich academic program and teachers who know, nurture, and guide each individual.
Take in-depth look at the unique space that is the Upland Primary Center, a place where students venture out and enjoy the whole Upland campus community.
Unlock Your Child's Full Potential
The Upland Primary Center is a vibrant mini-school in itself with large, sunlit classrooms, dynamic learning centers, state-of-the-art technology, a central atrium and kitchen shared by all, secure entryways, and easy access to the outdoors and our beautiful playgrounds.
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Experience more than learning
Students are encouraged to be creative, kind, and respectful while, of course, having fun! Each day in the Primary Center is designed to provide the foundation for success in a child’s formative school years and beyond.
Thrive in community
Primary students are valued members of the Upland community, participating in all school assemblies and engaging in collaboration and service projects. They are all met warmly by faculty and upper classmen on campus.
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Acces dynamic learning centers
With access to the IDEA Center, science labs, Moran Library, performing arts stage, music and art studios, and more, Primary students are welcome to benefit from a variety of different learning environments at Upland.
Love where you are
Primary students have the opportunity to enjoy all the Upland campus has to offer, including large, sunlit classrooms, our beautiful playgrounds, Cleveland ice rink, athletic fields, and more.
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Our Primary Center Curriculum
The Upland Country Day School Primary Center features a rigorous inquiry-based curriculum focused on outdoor learning and social as well as soft-skill development. Students explore and learn through real-world experiences and robust art, music, theatre, and physical education programming.
Academics
- Bookworms English Language Arts Program
Blends whole and small group reading and writing instruction with an emphasis on high-quality fiction and nonfiction texts.
- Developing Roots Mathematics Program
Kindergarten Mathematics
Students build a mathematical foundation at the kindergarten level. They explore new concepts through real-world, daily lesson activities.
- Singapore Math - Think! Mathematics
1st Grade Mathematics
Students hone problem-solving skills and apply mathematics in real-world contexts
- Outdoor Classroom
Pre-K and Kindergarten
Arts
- Theatre
Kindergarten and 1st-Grade theatre productions.
- Visual Arts
Kindergarten and 1st Grade
- Student work featured in the annual Spring Art Show.
- Local collaboration with Brandywine River Museum of Art
Athletics
- Physical Education
Students develop gross motor skills through organized games and team building activities.
- Winter Skating
- Kindergarten participates in “Skating with the Head of School.” Dr. Hickey joins the students on the ice several times throughout the season.
- Skating in 1st Grade culminates with a performance in the annual Skating Show.
- Kindergarten Swimming Instruction
Spring swimming lessons at Hockessin Athletic Club.
Attitude
- Interdisciplinary Mindfulness instruction in Kindergarten and 1st Grade.
- Responsive Classroom Model
PreK through 1st
Program integrates academic, social, and emotional learning to create an environment where students can do and be their best.
- Bucket Fillers
1st Grade
Curriculum promotes kindness, self-care, resilience, and forgiveness.
Not one single bad day
"What we found when we visited Upland was an incredible diverse curriculum that included the arts, language, sciences, technology, and community service opportunities even at their small ages! It was incredible! What I also did not anticipate what the sense of community and family that we found!"
- Primary School Parent
"In the Upland Primary Center, students are encouraged to do more than learn. They are encouraged to be creative, kind and respectful, and have fun! It's a model that works."
Explore Our Academic Programming
We believe children rise to our highest expectations, thrive on meaningful challenges, and never deserve anything less. Explore the multidimensional growth experience specifically designed to prepare each student for the future in each of our core schools:
Y9 Experience
(9th Grade)
Developing as role models and leaders for an entire student body.
