LS Weekly Updates

Map Testing Spring 2025- Grades 3-5

The tests are adaptsuccessfully completed their MAP tests this week. The Lower School was the first division to take the test. Once the whole-school testing window is closed, we will reach out to parents with MAP results.

SAVE THE DATE! OPAL Come-Play with Me: Parent Playday (Grades 1-5)

June 11 11:00-1:45

More information will be provided by your child's homeroom teacher. 

Special Note: Early Childhood Center 2025-2026

As we prepare for the upcoming 2025–2026 school year in the Early Childhood Center (ECC),we want to share an update on one of the most impactful changes we implemented last year—our multi-age classrooms.

As you know, the ECC serves children ages 3–6, and we have six dedicated, purpose-built classrooms that support our project-based, child-centered curriculum. Last year, in response to enrollment patterns and our commitment to providing the best possible learning environment, we introduced multi-age classrooms combining K1 and K2 students.

We’re pleased to share that this model has proven to be a success and will continue in the 2025–26 school year.

Why We’re Continuing with Multi-Age Classrooms The benefits of the multi-age model have been clear—both in the day-to-day experiences of the children and in their overall growth. By blending age groups, we’ve seen our students thrive in ways that align closely with our educational philosophy and goals:

• Enhanced Social-Emotional Development: Students in mixed-age settings develop critical interpersonal skills such as empathy, communication, and cooperation. These interactions build confidence and deepen friendships across age groups.

• Authentic Peer Learning: Older students reinforce their knowledge by modeling and explaining concepts, while younger students are inspired and challenged by observing and engaging with more experienced peers. This natural exchange of ideas enriches the learning environment for everyone.

• Alignment with Our Curriculum: Our project-based approach already encourages mixed-age exploration, and the multi-age classrooms have extended this strength. Experiences like OPAL time and open-ended provocations are even more dynamic with the diversity of perspectives that different ages bring.

What Remains the Same

While we continue to embrace the benefits of multi-age groupings, we remain committed to honoring each child's individual development and ensuring consistency across the program:

• Each child’s growth will continue to be supported using our Widely Held Developmental Objectives, tailored separately for K1 (3-year-olds) and K2 (4-year-olds).

• Our age-based promotion policies remain unchanged:

  • Children born before September 1, 2021, will be promoted to K3 in 2026–27.

  • Children born before September 1, 2022, will be promoted to K2 in 2026–27.

Please note that participation in a multi-age classroom does not change our K3 entry policy. A child must be 5 years old by September 1 to enter K3.

As always, class placements for the upcoming year will be guided by the principles outlined in the May parent email: Looking Back, Looking Forward – Lower School Parent Communication 2025–26.

If you have any questions about the ECC program or what to expect in the year ahead, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Admissions

Families with 3, 4, and 5-year-old siblings who wish to apply for the fall of 2025, please fill out the online inquiry and Admissions will send you an application. Remember that your child needs to be 3, 4, or 5 years old by September 1 to enter K1, K2, or K3. 

If your family is being transferred during this academic year, please contact Admissions - admissions@asmadrid.es