Lower School
Building character that will last a lifetime.
During their Lower School years at San Domenico, students will master fundamental skills and gain knowledge in all of the core academic subjects, but we believe there’s more to an exceptional education. Through our very intentional approach, San Domenico students continuously develop their character in tandem with their academic growth.
At SD our educational philosophy is deeply imbued with our core values of study, reflection, community, and service. These values guide our student-centered classrooms and our commitment to developing habits of mind in our youngest students that will serve them throughout their K through 12 years here at SD, and out in the world at large. We nurture and foster our students' natural sense of inquiry and curiosity about the world around them, in a vibrant learning community.
Lower School News
![Langston Hughes books for National Poetry Month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744739578/sandomenico/bsjauykopkxmbtkgdjkt/PoetryMonthBooks041525-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744739578/sandomenico/bsjauykopkxmbtkgdjkt/PoetryMonthBooks041525-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1744739578/sandomenico/bsjauykopkxmbtkgdjkt/PoetryMonthBooks041525-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744739578/sandomenico/bsjauykopkxmbtkgdjkt/PoetryMonthBooks041525-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
SD Librarian Karlyn Strand shares reading suggestions for National Poetry Month, and invites Upper School students and families to join us for Poetry and Pizza Night.
![4th Grade Bottle Biographies of Inspirational Women]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1743630160/sandomenico/y8mviol195cnrmkvjjia/4thBioBottles040225-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1743630160/sandomenico/y8mviol195cnrmkvjjia/4thBioBottles040225-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1743630160/sandomenico/y8mviol195cnrmkvjjia/4thBioBottles040225-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1743630160/sandomenico/y8mviol195cnrmkvjjia/4thBioBottles040225-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
From completing a campus mural to writing biographies and creating 3D portraits, fourth graders honor remarkable women whose courage and determination changed the world.
![LS Physics Unit - static electricity]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742935331/sandomenico/izsshtnlusmiyrdb4i5n/LSPhysicsUnit032525-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742935331/sandomenico/izsshtnlusmiyrdb4i5n/LSPhysicsUnit032525-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1742935331/sandomenico/izsshtnlusmiyrdb4i5n/LSPhysicsUnit032525-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1742935331/sandomenico/izsshtnlusmiyrdb4i5n/LSPhysicsUnit032525-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Students unleash their curiosity and dive deep into the laws of physics through scientific experimentation.
![5th graders crafting argumentative essays]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742334540/sandomenico/be0sefhios2q63khjy04/5thArgumentEssays031825-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742334540/sandomenico/be0sefhios2q63khjy04/5thArgumentEssays031825-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1742334540/sandomenico/be0sefhios2q63khjy04/5thArgumentEssays031825-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1742334540/sandomenico/be0sefhios2q63khjy04/5thArgumentEssays031825-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
With research-based essays and rebuttals, our students are mastering the art of persuasion—just in time for Middle School!
![Books about FLOTUS for Women's History Month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742335637/sandomenico/i546elhkwrfaouitdhyn/WomensHistoryMonth-FLOTUS-books-thmb031825.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742335637/sandomenico/i546elhkwrfaouitdhyn/WomensHistoryMonth-FLOTUS-books-thmb031825.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1742335637/sandomenico/i546elhkwrfaouitdhyn/WomensHistoryMonth-FLOTUS-books-thmb031825.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1742335637/sandomenico/i546elhkwrfaouitdhyn/WomensHistoryMonth-FLOTUS-books-thmb031825.jpg","width":810}])
In Honor of Women’s History Month, SD Librarian Karlyn Strand offers book suggestions for all ages to learn more about famous First Ladies of the United States.
![Throwing of the colors - Holi 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741976446/sandomenico/ddsvekyuucsnshbp5unk/Holi031325-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741976446/sandomenico/ddsvekyuucsnshbp5unk/Holi031325-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741976446/sandomenico/ddsvekyuucsnshbp5unk/Holi031325-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741976446/sandomenico/ddsvekyuucsnshbp5unk/Holi031325-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
The SD K-12 community gathers to celebrate the annual Hindu festival through music, dance, and the most vibrant of colors.
![4th graders in the garden learning about CA history]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741967859/sandomenico/ydfbdqo13kz1lfc14tja/4thRancheroDays031425-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741967859/sandomenico/ydfbdqo13kz1lfc14tja/4thRancheroDays031425-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741967859/sandomenico/ydfbdqo13kz1lfc14tja/4thRancheroDays031425-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741967859/sandomenico/ydfbdqo13kz1lfc14tja/4thRancheroDays031425-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
History comes alive for our fourth graders as they experience the life of California’s historic ranchos.
![3rd graders working on their self portraits]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741383292/sandomenico/ydj5lnfnxpckmnswnhp9/3rdFridaKahloSelfPortraits030725-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741383292/sandomenico/ydj5lnfnxpckmnswnhp9/3rdFridaKahloSelfPortraits030725-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741383292/sandomenico/ydj5lnfnxpckmnswnhp9/3rdFridaKahloSelfPortraits030725-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741383292/sandomenico/ydj5lnfnxpckmnswnhp9/3rdFridaKahloSelfPortraits030725-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Young artists explore self-expression, symbolism, and language through a vibrant cross-curricular project.
![LS Ramadan Assembly]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740773935/sandomenico/bg0lisuvhqghcnkqiw4f/LSRamadanAssembly022825-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740773935/sandomenico/bg0lisuvhqghcnkqiw4f/LSRamadanAssembly022825-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740773935/sandomenico/bg0lisuvhqghcnkqiw4f/LSRamadanAssembly022825-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740773935/sandomenico/bg0lisuvhqghcnkqiw4f/LSRamadanAssembly022825-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Lower and Middle School students celebrate the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
![Go Green Ride Yellow at the Green Awning]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740611352/sandomenico/c34gt1qylnsd5nobcvly/GoGreenRideYellow022625-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740611352/sandomenico/c34gt1qylnsd5nobcvly/GoGreenRideYellow022625-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740611352/sandomenico/c34gt1qylnsd5nobcvly/GoGreenRideYellow022625-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740611352/sandomenico/c34gt1qylnsd5nobcvly/GoGreenRideYellow022625-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Middle schoolers lead effort to measure and encourage green transportation to school.
![LS African Drums Assembly]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1739571918/sandomenico/unxhjg7lnwiih0yh7zhl/LS-AfricanDrumsAssembly-021425-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1739571918/sandomenico/unxhjg7lnwiih0yh7zhl/LS-AfricanDrumsAssembly-021425-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1739571918/sandomenico/unxhjg7lnwiih0yh7zhl/LS-AfricanDrumsAssembly-021425-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1739571918/sandomenico/unxhjg7lnwiih0yh7zhl/LS-AfricanDrumsAssembly-021425-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Musical guest Onye Onyemaechi brings the rhythms, colors, and customs of West Africa to SD student assemblies.
![LS Black History Month biographies]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738963223/sandomenico/d42wvmdx24demcbetryw/LS-BHM-Bios020725-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738963223/sandomenico/d42wvmdx24demcbetryw/LS-BHM-Bios020725-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738963223/sandomenico/d42wvmdx24demcbetryw/LS-BHM-Bios020725-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1738963223/sandomenico/d42wvmdx24demcbetryw/LS-BHM-Bios020725-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Third graders explore the lives and legacies of Black leaders past and present.
![Books for Black History Month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738866209/sandomenico/eibgdnsd6witscogifcp/BlackHistoryMonthBooks-thmb-020625.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738866209/sandomenico/eibgdnsd6witscogifcp/BlackHistoryMonthBooks-thmb-020625.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738866209/sandomenico/eibgdnsd6witscogifcp/BlackHistoryMonthBooks-thmb-020625.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1738866209/sandomenico/eibgdnsd6witscogifcp/BlackHistoryMonthBooks-thmb-020625.jpg","width":810}])
In celebration of Black History Month, SD Librarian Karlyn Strand offers recommendations for readers of all ages to learn more about the American civil rights movement.
![Hanging red envelopes for Lunar New Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738263057/sandomenico/jqksbgb0ykzz58ri0bxd/LNYCelebration012925-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738263057/sandomenico/jqksbgb0ykzz58ri0bxd/LNYCelebration012925-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738263057/sandomenico/jqksbgb0ykzz58ri0bxd/LNYCelebration012925-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1738263057/sandomenico/jqksbgb0ykzz58ri0bxd/LNYCelebration012925-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Students celebrate the Year of the Snake with a parade, assemblies, homemade food trucks, and a trip to San Francisco’s Chinatown.
![First Grade students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738255147/sandomenico/z4bjjzoe1liwa53luvd5/LSPowerofYet013025-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738255147/sandomenico/z4bjjzoe1liwa53luvd5/LSPowerofYet013025-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738255147/sandomenico/z4bjjzoe1liwa53luvd5/LSPowerofYet013025-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1738255147/sandomenico/z4bjjzoe1liwa53luvd5/LSPowerofYet013025-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
First graders build resilience and confidence by transforming “can’t” into “not yet.”
Curriculum Overview
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Mathematics - 1st
We teach math skills using hands-on manipulatives, pictorial representation, and abstract symbols.
Mathematics - 2nd
Problem solving is a key feature, with students working independently and in groups.
Mathematics - 3rd
Students develop into mathematical thinkers with a mastery of abstract problem-solving.
Mathematics - 4th
Students use conceptual models to visualize abstract mathematical operations, such as fractions.
Mathematics - 5th
Students learn multiple methods for computation, building a repertoire of strategies.
Mathematics - K
Students strengthen their math concepts and fluency with daily, hands-on math stations.
Music - 1st
Students learn how participating in music can enhance their lives and the world around them.
Music - 2nd
We play many songs together as an ensemble or band, learning different instruments and parts.
Music - 3rd
We sing songs and play instruments from many different cultures, eras, and composers.
Music - 4th
Students choose an instrument or music class to develop their interest in popular and classical music.
Music - 5th
Students may continue with the previous instrument of choice, or select another instrument class to round out their musical experience.
Music - K
Students study notes and rhythms through singing, movement, and hands-on instrument play.
Physical Education - 1st
Students continue to build healthy habits with physical activity, cooperation, and sportsmanship.
Physical Education - 2nd
Students learn to demonstrate independence and a sense of fair play and cooperation through play.
Physical Education - 3rd
Games focus on proper motor patterns while engaging in moderate and vigorous physical activities.
Physical Education - 4th
Students learn fitness and skill development through assigned tasks during games and activities.
Physical Education - 5th
Students perform fitness activities to build strength, endurance, coordination and agility.
Physical Education - K
Students explore and develop kinesthetic skills and coordination through cooperative games.
Reading - 1st
Students work on developing strong reading habits to become independent readers.
Reading - 2nd
Students develop and strengthen skills such as retelling, questioning, and summarizing.
Reading - 3rd
Three simple words set the foundation of our third grade literacy program: Reading is thinking.
Reading - 4th
Students begin to interpret books by searching for clues and making connections to their own lives.
Reading - 5th
Students work on determining themes, inferring, analyzing the author’s craft, and more.
Reading - K
With exposure to fiction and non-fiction books, students learn to see themselves as readers.
Science - 1st
Students investigate the world and record their findings in science notebooks.
Science - 2nd
Through investigation and observation, students form deeper understandings of the world around them.
Science - 3rd
Students make models, code, investigate questions, and use the engineering design process.
Science - 4th
Students see themselves as scientists who ask questions, think critically, and develop hypotheses.
Science - 5th
We use hand-on investigations in multiple fields of science: Earth, Life, Physical, and Computer.
Science - K
We focus on hands-on learning through experiments and scientific explorations.
Social Studies - 1st
Students gain a view of their place in the world by studying community, leadership, and identity.
Social Studies - 2nd
Students write to pen pals, examine food supply chains, and learn about societal Changemakers.
Social Studies - 3rd
Students focus on Marin County, including geography, indigenous peoples, and local government.
Social Studies - 4th
We study the history of California and explore how our past influences our present and future.
Social Studies - 5th
Students study and create projects based on geography and the history of the United States.
Social Studies - K
Three distinct units help students learn to think deeply about the world around them.
Visual Arts - 1st
We explore Andy Goldsworthy, study Berthe Morisot, and use Matisse’s interiors for inspiration.
Visual Arts - 2nd
We paint upside-down like Michelangelo, draw self-portraits à la Mona Lisa, and draw landscapes.
Visual Arts - 3rd
We draw flowers like Georgia O’Keeffe, explore Salvadore Dali’s surrealism, and build Miwok kotchas.
Visual Arts - 4th
We explore color theory, Japanese Sumi-e ink painting, mosaics, architecture, and more.
Visual Arts - 5th
We draw still-life from observation, explore advertising, practice digital photography, and more.
Visual Arts - K
We paint like Kandinsky while listening to Stravinsky, draw with scissors like Matisse, and more.
Vocabulary and Grammar - 4th and 5th
A rich and varied vocabulary provides a critical foundation for reading comprehension and academic achievement.
Word Study - 1st
More advanced phonemic awareness and complex spelling patterns and rules are introduced.
Word Study - 2nd
Fundations continues to play a crucial role in our second-grade curriculum, building on the foundational literacy skills developed in earlier years, essential for becoming proficient readers and writers.
Word Study / Phonics - K
Students build phonemic awareness and phonics skills, essentials for reading and writing.
Word Work - 3rd
Third graders learn about proper grammar usage, sentence structure, and punctuation.
World Languages - 1st
Students continue with one semester each of Spanish and Mandarin by briefly reviewing the topics presented during the prior year, before being immersed in the new year.
World Languages - 2nd
Students continue with one semester each of Spanish and Mandarin, which at this point become a full immersion experience.
World Languages - 3rd
Students continue with one semester each of Spanish and Mandarin, having reached a personal confidence in speaking each language and following class routines.
World Languages - 4th
Students continue with one semester each of Spanish and Mandarin, gaining a more complex and nuanced understanding of each language.
World Languages - 5th
Students continue with one semester each of Spanish and Mandarin, as they prepare to choose the language they will focus on in Middle School.
World Languages - K
Students take one semester each of Spanish and Mandarin, beginning their journey of exploring new languages and cultures.
Writing - 1st
Students learn to write with detail, using writing to teach, persuade, and entertain the reader.
Writing - 2nd
Lessons dig deeper, asking students to stretch their thinking and pay closer attention to details.
Writing - 3rd
Our immersive writing units are designed to make students excited to get words out on the page.
Writing - 4th
Students begin to craft fictional stories, creating believable characters with depth and complexity.
Writing - 5th
Units of study include Personal Narratives, Research Reports, Opinion Essays, and Memoirs.
Writing - K
With daily writing experiences, students move through writing stages at various rates.
