Lowell School

My wife and I have brought two kids through Lowell (one is now a high school sophomore, the other is still at Lowell, in the 5th grade). Our Lowell experience has been highly positive. Our kids have been academically challenged, to be sure, and I could offer a laundry list of reasons why we would give Lowell five stars. But, I think the two aspects that stand out are: a highly intentional, attentive educational environment that helps infuse kids with a respectful and thoughtful way of approaching challenges; and, across many grades, an integrated, mutually reinforcing approach to learning. On the latter, the best example for us is the 8th grade service learning project: 8th graders travel to Costa Rica to (among other experiences) teach migrant laborers there how to build environmentally and health-friendly biochar cookstoves from recycled paint buckets. How does Lowell prepare them for this? In Spanish class, they learn the vocabulary necessary to communicate this process to the laborers; in science class, they learn the process by which these stoves take combustable refuse or other fuel and burn it with less harmful exhaust; and, in math class they learn how to calculate and measure the various cuts and other constructions that are needed to make the cook stoves function properly. Soup-to-nuts, the kids bring together everything they've learned into a service learning project, delivered in a foreign country, while living with host families. In many ways, this project is the summation of the Lowell experience at any grade.

Our old school's emphasis on rote memorization and speed gave my daughter math anxiety. Lowell's emphasis on thinking and problem-solving turned her around completely. She learned she was actually an excellent mathematician.

We've had two children attending Lowell for the past two years. The concern for EACH child is genuine. It is a place were kids can really find their voice and celebrate what makes them different. Expression through the arts is valued. We are especially grateful for the celebration and inclusion of all types of families.

Lowell has been a wonderful school for my son. It is warm and nurturing, while academically challenging. The teacher-student ratio is amazing and each student is given a great deal of individual attention and support. The head of school is a lovely, thoughtful person who is responsive and reasonable. The parents are across-the-board sincere, welcoming, intelligent, thoughtful people with whom I've forged strong, lasting friendships.