At St. Dominic School Lower School, our mathematics curriculum develops strong foundational skills, conceptual understanding, and critical thinking. Through the Reveal Math program, boys explore mathematical concepts, investigate different problem-solving strategies, and make connections between classroom learning and real-world applications.

Our approach encourages students to ask questions, explain their reasoning, and develop a deeper understanding of how mathematical concepts work. By exploring multiple strategies and solutions, boys build confidence and strengthen their ability to think critically and solve problems independently.

Recognizing that students learn and develop at different rates, our teachers use differentiated instruction, supplemental resources, and enrichment opportunities to provide appropriate support and challenges. This individualized approach helps each boy build a strong mathematical foundation for continued academic success.

At St. Dominic School Lower School, our Social Studies curriculum encourages boys to explore the history, geography, cultures, and communities that shape our world. Through the study of past and current events, students develop critical thinking skills while gaining an appreciation for cultural diversity, their own heritage, and the connections that unite people across communities and cultures.

Using Studies Weekly as a foundation, boys engage in hands-on learning experiences that encourage exploration, inquiry, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Interdisciplinary projects connect Social Studies with Religion, Science, Mathematics, and Language Arts, helping students make meaningful connections across subjects.

Through creative, grade-level learning experiences, boys develop curiosity, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen their ability to think critically about their local and global communities.

At St. Dominic School Lower School, our Language Arts curriculum develops essential skills in reading, literature, writing, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, listening, speaking, and handwriting. Recognizing the developmental needs of boys, teachers use whole-group, small-group, and individualized instruction to support students as they build foundational literacy skills and grow as confident communicators.

In the primary grades, extensive phonics instruction strengthens reading, spelling, and decoding skills. Teachers incorporate the multisensory Orton-Gillingham approach to support phonics and reading development. Boys in Kindergarten through fourth grade also participate in the Zaner-Bloser handwriting program, developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to express their ideas through writing.

Through exposure to a wide range of literature, students strengthen reading comprehension, listening, and discussion skills while developing a love of reading. Teachers encourage boys to explore different genres and engage thoughtfully with texts. In the intermediate grades, the Great Books Program emphasizes meaningful discussion, critical thinking, and literary analysis.

Writing instruction introduces students to the creative and technical processes of composition across a variety of genres. Through vocabulary development, grammar instruction, and regular writing experiences, boys strengthen their ability to communicate effectively and make connections among reading, writing, and language.

At St. Dominic School Lower School, our hands-on, inquiry-based science curriculum encourages boys to ask questions, investigate solutions, and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world. Through observation, experimentation, data collection, and analysis, students strengthen scientific reasoning, research skills, and the ability to evaluate information critically.

In grades 1–4, Mystery Science provides the foundation for exploring scientific concepts through investigation and discovery. Students in grades 1–3 also participate in a weekly STEM-based Innovation Lab (iLab), where they engage in hands-on challenges that encourage problem-solving, creative thinking, and collaboration.

In fourth grade, boys apply their scientific knowledge through a culminating environmental STEM project in conjunction with the Wolf River Conservancy and other environmental organizations in the greater Memphis area.

In grades 5–6, Science Dimensions provides the framework for increasingly advanced scientific study. Fifth-grade students explore the engineering design process, properties of matter, and interactions among plants, animals, and ecosystems. In sixth grade, students apply engineering and programming skills as they build and program LEGO EV3 robots.

Learning extends beyond the classroom as students explore the natural resources of Memphis and the Mississippi River region. From investigating the woods of Shelby Forest to testing water samples from the Wolf River and exploring the landscapes of Shelby Farms, boys connect scientific concepts with real-world experiences and develop an appreciation for the environment around them.

Religious education and faith formation are integral to the curriculum and daily life at St. Dominic School. Rooted in the Catholic faith and the Dominican pillars of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service, our religion program encourages boys to recognize God's presence in their lives, deepen their relationship with Him, and develop a love and respect for others.

Religion is taught at every grade level, with Catholic teachings and values integrated throughout the curriculum. In second grade, students receive instruction that complements the sacramental preparation provided by their individual parishes.

Each school day begins and ends with prayer, and students are encouraged to practice kindness, compassion, and habits of virtue both at school and at home. While grounded in the Catholic tradition, St. Dominic welcomes students from a variety of religious backgrounds and fosters an environment of mutual respect, understanding, and belonging

At St. Dominic School Lower School, our Physical Education program helps boys develop coordination, strength, endurance, and fundamental movement skills while encouraging teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy habits that support lifelong fitness.

In Kindergarten through sixth grade, students participate in age-appropriate activities, sports, and games designed to develop physical skills, confidence, and an appreciation for active living. The program incorporates movement and coordination activities, including the Railyard Fitness System and Bal-A-Vis Coordination, to strengthen balance, motor skills, and physical development.

Through instruction in team sports and games from around the world, boys learn the importance of cooperation, perseverance, respect, and fair play. Students also participate in the Presidential Youth Fitness Program to assess and encourage their physical fitness development.

Beyond the classroom, St. Dominic offers extracurricular athletic opportunities at various grade levels, including soccer, golf, football, flag football, track, basketball, swimming, and tennis. These programs provide additional opportunities for boys to develop athletic skills, build friendships, and experience the value of teamwork and school spirit.

At St. Dominic School Lower School, we recognize that academic success goes hand in hand with personal, social, and emotional development. Our Guidance program helps boys build confidence, develop positive relationships, and strengthen the skills they need to become responsible, compassionate, and independent learners.

Guided by the five core competencies identified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making—our program encourages boys to understand and respect themselves and others, set meaningful goals, navigate challenges, and take responsibility for their actions and learning.

In fifth and sixth grades, particular emphasis is placed on organization, time management, and effective work habits. These skills help boys develop greater independence and prepare for the increased academic responsibilities of Junior High School.

Through intentional guidance and support, St. Dominic helps boys develop the character, interpersonal skills, and confidence to succeed in school and beyond.

At St. Dominic School Lower School, Spanish instruction begins in Kindergarten and continues through sixth grade, helping boys develop language skills while expanding their understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

Our Spanish curriculum emphasizes speaking and listening, while introducing and strengthening reading and writing skills as students progress. Through engaging lessons and cultural experiences, boys build confidence in communicating in another language and develop a broader perspective of the world.

A distinctive feature of our World Language program is the opportunity for live exchanges with Spanish-speaking students through our Distance Learning Center. These interactions allow boys to practice their language skills, connect with students from other communities, and experience Spanish as a living language.

Learning also extends into the Memphis community through cultural experiences, including art exhibits and music and dance performances. By connecting classroom instruction with authentic experiences, our program encourages curiosity, cultural awareness, and an appreciation for the diversity of our world.

At St. Dominic School Lower School, technology is integrated into the learning experience to enhance instruction, encourage creativity, and prepare boys to navigate an increasingly digital world.

Guided by the student standards established by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), our approach encourages boys to become empowered learners, knowledge constructors, innovative designers, computational thinkers, creative communicators, digital citizens, and global collaborators.

Through purposeful technology integration across the curriculum, students develop digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Boys learn to use technology responsibly as a tool for research, communication, creativity, and exploration.

By connecting technology with meaningful classroom experiences, St. Dominic helps boys build the confidence and skills to adapt, innovate, and continue learning in a changing world.

At St. Dominic School Lower School, the arts play an important role in developing creativity, confidence, self-expression, and an appreciation for the world around us. Our comprehensive arts curriculum introduces boys to visual art, vocal and instrumental music, and theater, providing opportunities to discover their talents and develop new interests.

In Visual Arts, students explore drawing, painting, printmaking, and graphic design while studying significant works of art from different periods and cultures. Boys have opportunities to showcase their creativity through art competitions and local exhibitions. Instruction takes place in a spacious, well-equipped art studio that encourages artistic exploration and expression.

Our Performing Arts curriculum develops musical knowledge, performance skills, and an appreciation for music and theater. Through Orff Music instruction and World Music Drumming, students explore rhythm, movement, musical expression, and collaboration. Dedicated music classrooms and a large theater provide spaces for instruction, rehearsals, and performances.

Beyond the classroom, boys can further develop their artistic interests through theatrical productions, Boy Choir, Chorus for grades 5–8, Liturgical Choir, and String Ensemble. Two full-scale theater productions are offered each year, and students share their talents through performances at Mass, school assemblies, and community events.

Through these experiences, St. Dominic encourages boys to express themselves creatively, collaborate with others, and develop confidence both onstage and beyond.

At St. Dominic School Lower School, leadership development is rooted in character, responsibility, and service to others. Boys are encouraged to recognize their individual strengths, develop confidence, and understand that meaningful leadership begins with respect, compassion, and a willingness to serve.

Throughout the Lower School experience, students have opportunities to develop leadership skills through academic, athletic, elected, selected, and service-based activities. These experiences encourage boys to take initiative, collaborate with others, make responsible decisions, and contribute positively to their school community.

Grounded in the Dominican pillar of Service, our approach emphasizes servant leadership—using one's gifts and abilities to make a difference in the lives of others. Through service projects throughout the school year, boys learn the importance of helping those in need, supporting one another, and taking responsibility for their communities.

By connecting leadership with faith, character, and service, St. Dominic prepares boys to become thoughtful, responsible young men who lead with integrity and purpose.