Lower School

"You know mom, I go to the best school in the whole world!"
- A PJA 2nd Grader

Kindergarten through 5th grade

PJA lower school students develop a strong foundation in academics and social-emotional skills. We use a hands-on approach in our classes. For example, children are introduced to addition and subtraction through use of everyday objects before they move on to abstract manipulation of numbers. Students write daily; they brainstorm, draft, and revise their work to produce stories, letters, reports, and poetry. We read and share comprehension in all content areas.

Critical thinking skills are introduced at this level as well. In every subject from science to social studies, students are encouraged to ask questions, to investigate, and to come to their own conclusions with the guidance of our excellent instructors.

Lower school students also begin studying Hebrew and Jewish Studies as five year olds in kindergarten or earlier if they've been in our Preschool. Specialists in art, music, physical education, and makerspace round out our full-spectrum curriculum.

Students of all ages take a variety of day field trips. Field trips often include the Rice Museum, the end of the Oregon Trail in Oregon City, the Lelooska Museum, a ride on the Portland Sternwheeler, and a Portland walking tour. Beginning in fifth grade, students take overnight field trips that support and enrich the curriculum. Fifth grade students participate in a four day overnight OMSI camp on the Oregon Coast. 

Contact
If you would like more information about the PJA Lower School, please contact Sarah Glass, our Director of Admission, Retention, & Engagement at 503.535.3599.

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