Lower School
Providing a unique student experience
While play still occupies a formative role - especially in Kindergarten - it’s gradually replaced with carefully designed active-learning projects that students execute increasingly on their own.
We enrich the abilities and consciousness of Kindergarten to 4th grade students through our curriculum, teaching approach and learning goals.
During Lower School we introduce students to a Learning Plan, which motivates them to take charge of their goals and achievements. We hold parent-attended Learning Plan conferences in the spring and fall, and beginning in 3rd grade, students play an active part in planning them.
By the time they finish 4th grade, students are acquainted with the foundations of the academic process. They enter Middle School equipped with the self-confidence, curiosity, and know-how to take on increasingly sophisticated work.
“EA enabled my son to bring all of his talents and strengths to the surface. I am not sure that would have happened at a public school.”
Current EA Parent
Michelle Matalone
Lower School Director
"As the Early Childhood and Lower School Director at Elgin Academy, I am committed to providing a child-centered learning experience that is unique and individualized. I believe in fostering a nurturing environment where children can flourish and grow, not just academically but also, emotionally and socially. Together, we create a place where curiosity is celebrated, kindness is paramount, and learning becomes an adventure that lasts a lifetime."
- Michelle Matalone
Meet Our Lower School Faculty & Staff
“We found some wonderful teachers who were caring, engaging, and personalized. You know those once-in-a-lifetime teachers you get? At EA, we got them multiple times.”
Parent of an EA Graduate
Courtney Boborci
BA, Illinois State University
Learning needs to be fun and engaging whenever possible. Creating opportunities where students are guiding the learning is one of the ways I make learning fun. I’ll often ask a student to, “show us” and I will sit in their seat while they take the lead at the board.
- Courtney Boborci
Suzy Ceci
BA, Universite Stendahl
When I teach my students to speak French or Spanish, I fancy myself doing a bit more than simply teaching them the skills to express themselves in those languages. I envision myself poking a hole in the language drapery, to enable them to peep at the conglomerate that makes it up: people, culture, land, history, and much more.
-Suzy Ceci
Linley Collins
I believe that students should be taught about the importance of different perspectives. Seeing new points of view can be truly eye opening. I will strive to make the environment of my classroom mirror a community, with students being productive members.
-Linley Collins
Leah Culbertson
ECE, Elgin Community College
EMT, Elgin Community College
Being here at Elgin Academy makes me feel like I am part of a community, which I haven't felt that way anywhere else in the past. Feeling welcomed has made me want to thrive and push myself as a teacher, create a safe environment for our kids and help them succeed in whatever they do. "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think"-Walt Disney
-Leah Culbertson