A premier independent preschool to eighth grade school in Buffalo, NY.
Elmwood Franklin School
  • About
    • Welcome from the Head
    • Mission and Core Values
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • School Leadership
    • Board of Trustees
    • Strategic Plan
    • History
    • Facilities
    • Careers at Elmwood Franklin
  • Admissions
    • Welcome
    • EFS At a Glance
    • Admissions Events
    • Admissions Process
    • Tuition & Value
  • Academics
    • Academic Philosophy
    • Faculty
    • Prep
    • Lower School
    • Upper School
  • Student Life
    • Student Support Services
    • Afterschool Care
    • Arts
    • Athletics
    • Dress Code
    • Dining Service
    • Options Program
    • Outdoor Education
    • Service Learning
    • Summer Camp
    • Summer Work
    • Technology
    • Transportation
  • My EFS
    • Parents
    • Alumni
    • Faculty
    • Students
  • Giving
    • 125 Endowment Campaign
    • Annual Fund
    • Auction
    • Gifts of Stock
    • Planned Giving
    • Volunteer
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Location

Lower School

Grades 1-4
​Grades 1 through 4 comprise our Lower School division. Our program is designed to educate the whole child and to prepare children to master conceptual learning as well as basic skills. We believe that the pursuit of academic excellence is best supported through a diversified curriculum based on the developmental stages of children.

The core program, under the direction of the classroom teacher, includes the sequential and often integrated study of reading, language arts, mathematics, and social studies. This curriculum is designed to accommodate individual readiness through the appropriate use of small groups and personal attention. 

Technology is incorporated in a developmentally appropriate way, both in the delivery of instruction and in the development of digital literacy. Special curriculum areas in science, art, music, Spanish, French, Mandarin, library, and physical education round out the program. Field trips and other experiences increase students’ awareness about neighborhood, community, and the greater world. Service learning and character education encourage students to become compassionate, responsible citizens who see service not as a requirement but as a way of life.
Program Highlights
  • Frequent field trips
  • Theater showings
  • Assemblies
  • Guest speakers
  • Creative studies 
  • Leadership studies
  • Daily physical education class 
  • Interscholastic sports teams 
  • Colonial Day
  • Tipi sleepover
  • Robotics and coding instruction
  • Early morning care (7:30 a.m.)
  • Afterschool program (until 5:45 p.m.)

Faculty Resources
  • Science specialist
  • Music specialist
  • Reading specialist

Supplementary Components
  • Character education
  • Service learning/ community service
  • Options enrichment classes
  • Environmental education

Family Events
  • Grandparents' Day
  • Fall Fest

Technology-rich Environment
  • iPads
  • Smart classrooms
  • Mac lab
  • 3D printers

Performing Arts
  • Thanksgiving performance
  • Class plays at each grade level
  • End-of-year closing performance

Physical Plant
  • Playground
  • Art studio
  • Theatre
  • Greenhouse
  • Dining room and full kitchen
  • Gymnasium
  • Library

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Elmwood Franklin School prepares children to lead thriving lives.

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© Elmwood Franklin School | 104 New Amsterdam Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14216
admissions@elmwoodfranklin.org | 716-877-5035 | fax 716-877-9680

​Elmwood Franklin School is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools.