The Roeper Lower School Viewbook, 2025

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THE ROEPER APPROACH

A leader in gifted education, Roeper offers an inquiry-based program that focuses on the whole child and uniquely accomodates gifted students. Our approach offers the intellectual challenge gifted children crave and allows them to explore personal passions deeply and imaginatively.

We understand that gifted children face a complex journey to maturity, often navigating cognitive and emotional stages that don’t always align. Our nurturing environment supports their unique developmental journeys, helping them navigate their advanced cognitive abilities and emotional sensitivities. We empower students to become confident, independent thinkers and compassionate, engaged citizens.

THE ROEPER STORY

George and Annemarie Roeper fled Nazi persecution and arrived in America in 1939 with a vow to establish a school that would educate children to become caring, humane adults engaged in the world. They founded The Roeper School on the principle that every child is a whole human being, worthy of respect and recognition, deserving every opportunity to fulfill their potential.

OUR MISSION

We empower gifted learners to be active and compassionate citizens of the world.

ROEPER

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE GIFTED?

It means your child has an intensity that is never satisfied with easy answers. It means that even at a young age, they show glimmers of powerful thinking that make people pause.

To nourish their ingenuity, complexity, and enthusiasm, it takes an educational approach with unparalleled challenge, choice, and understanding. It takes Roeper.

GIFTEDNESS AT ROEPER

CAPABILITY

COLLABORATION

COMMITMENT

COMMUNICATION

CONNECTION

CREATIVITY

Excellence extends beyond academics to include arts, athletics, and other areas of learning. Capability integrates cognitive ability with curiosity and metacognitive skills, crucial for ongoing competence across domains.

The ability to interact and work productively with others toward the achievement of shared goals, including the ability to act with fairness and consideration for others and to contribute to and observe developmentally appropriate shared norms of behavior.

The ability to dedicate sustained attention to a specific task or undertaking. This includes both the ability to concentrate or remain focused in the moment and to plan long-term projects and to see them through to completion.

The ability to convey and process information and ideas effectively through oral, written, graphic, or other media. Communication includes expression in the fine and performing arts.

The capacity to feel and show empathy and understanding for the unique lived experience of others and value them intrinsically as individuals rather than as instruments, and to apply that empathy and understanding to work toward the good of the community.

The ability to generate novel works, ideas, and solutions to problems, including when working under conditions of constrained resources.

STAGE I PRESCHOOL

With two program options, we tailor each child’s educational journey to meet their developmental needs. Our dynamic curriculum strikes a purposeful balance between play, social-emotional growth, and a joyful celebration of intellectual curiosity. Built around the interests and passions of our students, past explorations have spanned everything from inventions and oceans to playground design, urban planning, and even Bigfoot. Our experienced, passionate teachers act as both facilitators and collaborators, guiding learning in a nurturing environment. With two program options, we tailor each child’s educational journey to meet their developmental needs.

STAGE II JR & SR KINDERGARTEN

Stage II fosters self-awareness and a deep appreciation for others. Each child’s unique strengths and talents are celebrated, and students are encouraged to recognize and value the gifts of their peers. With project-based learning at the heart of the program, students are free to explore their interests to the fullest—without ever feeling bored. Math and literacy are taught in small, dynamic groups. Core courses are enriched by a wide array of special classes, including art, music, creative movement, science, world language, integrated technology, physical education, library, and outdoor adventures. Beyond these rotating classes, students enjoy daily opportunities to choose additional electives, empowering them to make decisions that reflect their interests. Teachers guide both large and small groups through in-depth units of study that foster exploration, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking— key elements for gifted learners.

DAY IN THE LIFE STAGE II STUDENT

Classroom Explorations

Morning Meeting

Math

Recess

Project-Based Learning

Story Circle

Lunch/Recess

Afternoon Adventure

Reflections/Snack

Literacy

AUTHOR STUDIES 8:10 8:45 9:15 10:15 11:00 11:45 12:00 12:45 1:30 2:00 3:00

Story Circle

SAMPLE AFTERNOON ADVENTURES

CREEK WALK

NATURE JOURNALING “OLOGIES”

CO-OP GAMES

AROUND THE WORLD

STAGE III GRADES 1 & 2

At this pivotal stage of development, children thrive on responsibility and independence. This is supported by all aspects of the Stage III curriculum, from homeroom to special classes. In addition to core subjects such as math, literacy, science, technology integration, and world language, our program empowers students to choose from a variety of electives: art, music, library, physical education, science, and movement. Mornings are dedicated to academics and community-building in the homeroom, while afternoons come alive with special classes for both required and elective offerings, as well as collaborative, project-based learning where real-world topics are explored. Guided by teachers, each child receives personalized academic attention, fostering both their individual growth and effective collaboration with peers.

DAY IN THE LIFE

STAGE III STUDENT

8:10 8:30 9:20 10:15 11:30 11:55 12:35 1:25 2:20 3:25

Arrival Morning Meeting Math Literacy Lunch Recess Elective World Language Homeroom End of Day

Sample schedule. Subject to change.

SAMPLE ELECTIVES

FRIENDSHIP STORIES

COMIC BOOK CLUB

SOUND RECORDING WITH SOUNDTRAP

CREATIVITY BOOT CAMP: 3D FAIRYTALE STEM LEARN UKULELE

STAGE IV GRADES 3 & 4

Each student has a unique schedule that allows them to pursue their passions, explore new interests, and take meaningful risks in a supportive environment. Guided by their teachers and parents, students select from a wide range of electives, balancing their personal interests with the encouragement to try new experiences. The curriculum covers essential subjects like humanities, social studies, math, science, and world language, along with a variety of electives. Small group work and large-scale homeroom projects further add to a dynamic and stimulating educational experience.

STAGE V GRADE 5

Stage V is an exciting time for students to grow as leaders, mentors, and engaged members of their community. Through a dynamic blend of academic programming— spanning literacy, humanities, mathematics, science, and world language—students build essential skills while exploring new ideas. Beyond our robust core coursework, students dive into specialized classes and choose electives that ignite their passions, such as physical education, art, library, movement, technology integration, and music. This stage is a time of discovery and self-expression, where students are encouraged to embrace their unique interests while developing the confidence to lead and inspire others.

DAY IN THE LIFE STAGE IV & V STUDENT

SAMPLE ELECTIVES

ART OF PUPPETRY

JUMP ROEPERS

ROBOTICS

SOCIAL JUSTICE BOOK CLUB

VINYL RECORDS ROCK TO BACH

GRAPHIC DESIGN

COMMUNITY HELPERS

MUSICAL THEATER

PERCUSSION

THE GIFT OF CHOICE

Lower School students have the opportunity to customize their schedule by choosing from a range of electives.

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING

With our project-based learning approach, Roeper teachers guide students to discover answers to their most pressing questions.

STUDENT-CENTERED CURRICULUM

Roeper empowers learners to explore their passions, encouraging deeper engagement and meaningful academic growth.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Inquiry-based outdoor education nurtures

students’ curiosity, fosters relationships with nature, and builds self confidence through challenge-based activities.

EQUITY

DIVERSITY JUSTICE INCLUSION

EQUITY AND JUSTICE

form the cornerstone of the Roeper philosophy. We integrate diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice into every aspect of our community, not merely as trends but as fundamental values.

AT ROEPER, WE SEE

• Diversity as meaningful differences.

• Equity as ensuring full access and meeting diverse needs.

• Inclusion as fostering belonging and valuing all perspectives.

• Justice as embodying equity, love, and compassion.

We uphold justice by providing equal opportunities and respecting the dignity of every individual, especially those historically marginalized. Our community values diversity, emphasizing the interdependence between individuals and our school. We strive to create a safe, inclusive environment where every voice is valued and heard.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and consider admission based on evidence of academic achievement, teacher recommendations, a personal interview, and an on-campus visit.

The Roeper School is an equal opportunity institution, and admits students of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin, granting them all rights, privileges, programs, and activities available to all students.

NATURE WALK & OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Nestled within the vibrant natural landscape of our campus, the creek has long been a cornerstone of Roeper’s rich tradition of outdoor learning. For generations, it has offered students a magical space to explore, wonder, and connect with the natural world. From imaginative play to hands-on science experiments, the creek is a classroom without walls that fosters curiosity, resilience, and a love of nature.

Building on this legacy, we are excited to unveil our new Creek Walk and Outdoor Learning Classroom. These additions create intentional spaces for students to immerse themselves in the beauty of our environment, sparking inquiry and collaboration while deepening their understanding of life’s interconnectedness. By cultivating an appreciation for nature’s wonders, teachers empower our students to become thoughtful stewards of the world, embracing learning far beyond the traditional classroom.

SAMPLE OUTDOOR LESSONS

STREAM ECOLOGY

PLANT BIOLOGY

SOIL SCIENCE

SCIENCE CREEK MONITORING

GEOLOGY

MACRO & MICRO INVERTEBRATES

TUITION & FINANCIAL AID

Choosing the right school is a big decision. We believe every child deserves a place where they’re understood, challenged, and inspired. We’re committed to making a gifted education accessible to a wide range of families.

• Aid is entirely based on need.

• An independent third party determines what a family can afford.

• Financial aid is not a loan. It reduces tuition and does not have to be paid back.

• Additional need-based scholarships are available for newly enrolled students.

• Partial scholarships can be combined with other financial aid.

THE LATEST TUITION INFO

“We chose Roeper not just because it’s academically rigorous, but because it honors who

our child is. The tuition support we received made that possible.”

-Middle School Parent

Scan the QR code to view current tuition and learn more about financial support options.

WHAT WILL YOUR STORY BE?

At Roeper, the journey from preschool to graduation nurtures curiosity, independence, and a deep sense of community. In the Lower School, students explore their love of learning in an environment that values their voices. As they grow, they develop critical thinking, agency, and ownership of their educational paths. Middle School brings increased responsibility and deeper inquiry, all within a supportive atmosphere fostering creativity and collaboration.

In the Upper School, students further hone their passions through independent study, leadership opportunities, and a commitment to social justice. Mentorship is a cornerstone of the Roeper experience, with older students guiding younger ones through cross-campus Big Buddy gatherings, girls’ mentorship, and senior projects where students often create and teach Lower School courses.

Though Roeper spans two campuses, we are one unified school, bound by the Roeper philosophy and dedication to student growth. The journey culminates in a meaningful graduation, where we celebrate empowered individuals who are ready to lead with empathy, purpose, and a strong sense of citizenship.

Your journey begins here.

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The Roeper Lower School Viewbook, 2025 by The Roeper School - Issuu