Lower School Student Activities: Beyond the Classroom

Saint Andrew’s School’s comprehensive approach to learning focuses on educating the whole child. In addition to a balanced and challenging academic program, there are a variety of opportunities and events where our students may learn new skills, practice leadership, and build school spirit and community.

After School Enrichment (Grades Pre-K-5)

Auxiliary Programs at Saint Andrew's School offers a diverse selection of after school enrichment classes for Lower School students. Enrichment classes run in three, eight-week sessions over the course of the school year for grades pre- kindergarten through grade 5 students. The program is intended to complement the curriculum and further develop skills learned in the classroom as well as allow students to explore new areas of discipline outside the classroom. Enrichment classes afford students the opportunity to engage in problem solving, team work, think creatively, take risks, promote mindfulness, inspire healthy lifestyles and encourage good sportsmanship. Offerings vary each session and include but are not limited to: Chess, Rock Climbing, Tennis, Skate Club, Yoga, Tech Club, Fun Chefs and Hip Hop.

Musical (Grades 3-5)

Participation in the Lower School musical is one of the experiences offered to help cultivate student growth beyond the classroom. This exciting experience is open to all students in grades 3 through 5. Students have the opportunity to expand on skills acquired in music classes to learn character analysis, acting techniques, script approach, and audition preparation, as well as the basics of technical theater and dramatic production. Students work with a theater director, a music/vocal coach, and a choreographer to broaden and strengthen their performing art skills. Beyond cultivating a love for musical theater, the program promotes student growth in creativity, self-confidence and collaboration. Musicals are carefully selected with the purpose of delivering age appropriate, large ensemble style, fun, recognizable shows that provide our students with many opportunities to shine.

STREAM Expo (Grades 4-5)

The STREAM expo is an opportunity for grades 4 and 5 students to make use of the classroom as a stage for showcasing independent inquiry learning, tightly bonding the school-home connection and enhancing the flow of learning between both. The grades 4 and 5 STREAM Expo is not a competition, and although it is optional, students are encouraged to participate as an opportunity to explore, create, and innovate. Students present their projects in the Dr. Albert Cohen Family Center for Entrepreneurial Studies to visiting students and families. There are four different project formats to encompass all students' ability levels and project ideas. Students apply research, design thinking, the scientific method, and problem-solving skills to an inquiry of their choice. This is learning that is intrinsically motivated.

Chapel Acolytes, Crucifers and Readers (Grades 4-5)

There are several opportunities for leadership and participation within the Chapel program. Students in grade 4 and 5 may serve as crucifers, acolytes, and readers. By the end of grade 5, students plan and implement their own student led chapel.

TED-Ed Club (Grades 4-5)

Through TED-Ed Clubs, students identify and research the ideas that matter to them most. In the Lower School, students meet and engage in various sessions with the help of an adult facilitator that are built to support students in sharing their big ideas in the form of short, TED-style talk. In the spring, students will have the opportunity to submit their TED talks to the Saint Andrew’s TEDx committee to be showcased at the annual TEDxSaintAndrewsSchool event.

Library Assistant Club (Grade 4)

The Library Assistant Club (LA Club) is specifically designed to offer grade 4 students the opportunity to make a difference in their school community. The students participate in a variety of tasks including shelving books and keeping the shelves neat, helping to prepare seasonal book displays, guiding morning drop-ins by suggesting book titles, and retrieving books from the classroom setting for check-in purposes.

FIRST LEGO League Robotics Team (Grades 4-6)

At each division, students have the opportunity to engage in robotics competitions. In the Lower School, students participate in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL). FIRST Robotics is a nationwide league that is open to students of all ages. Grade 4 students (ScotBots) and grade 5 and 6 students (RoboScots) work with their team to build a structurally sound robot(s) and write a program to achieve as many points as possible on a thematic playing field. In addition, students research, develop, code, and present to judges an innovative solution to a real-world issue that matches the annual theme. Students do this while also learning to collaborate while practicing core values such as gracious professionalism.

Grade 5 Trip

Saint Andrew’s grade 5 students take part in a historical overnight trip touring Florida’s oldest city, St. Augustine. Students bring their learning out of the classroom to explore the beautiful sites of this historic city, including visiting Castillo de San Marco, the Old Florida Museum, the Old Jail, and the famous St. George’s street. This engagement contributes to the development of our well-rounded students.

Ambassadors (Grade 5)

One of the most important service opportunities available to the grade 5 students is to serve as Lower School Ambassadors. They assist with tours for prospective families and guide visitors during special events. They also give Scots’ Way presentations to the younger students and serve as role models who demonstrate the proper behavior of a Saint Andrew’s Scot.

Safety Patrol (Grade 5)

Students have the opportunity to show leadership while serving as morning safety patrols. They open car doors, greet students, and walk the pre-kindergarten students to their classrooms.

Pre-K Helpers (Grade 5)

Grade 5 students join the pre-kindergarten students in their classrooms and help them transition into the school day by happily greeting them and assisting with morning stations. The older students mentor the younger ones while building a special bond during their time together.

WSAS - Online News Broadcast (Grade 5)

In grade 5, students work in small groups to develop Lower School news broadcasts throughout the year. Students learn essential skills in the Media Arts such as script writing and news reporting, while also serving in both on-air and behind-the-scenes roles. Students work collaboratively to create all the elements needed to produce and broadcast videos based on events mainly in the Lower School. Student broadcasting jobs include being an anchor, reporter, weatherperson, camera, and teleprompter operator. Approximately 20 student/teacher run shows are produced annually.