Lower School

Where our Smallest Learners Ask Big Questions.
At Portledge, learning in the earliest years is joyful, intentional, and deeply personal. In our Early Childhood and Lower School, curiosity is nurtured, questions are encouraged, and each child is known, supported, and challenged in ways that feel meaningful and age-appropriate. Through hands-on experiences, thoughtful instruction, and strong relationships, students are empowered to explore, take risks, learn from mistakes, and build confidence in who they are as learners and community members. The result is a strong foundation—academically, socially, and emotionally—that sets the stage for a lifelong love of learning.


List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • Academic Excellence

    Our personalized approach to learning ensures that every child is known, challenged, and supported. Through small class sizes, engaging instruction, and opportunities to explore individual interests and strengths, students build a strong academic foundation while developing the confidence and skills needed for lifelong success.

  • Social Emotional Learning

    Social-emotional learning is woven throughout the Lower School experience. Through intentional instruction, daily interactions, and meaningful relationships, students develop self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and confidence while building the skills needed to thrive in school and beyond.

  • Dedicated Faculty

    Our faculty know, nurture, and celebrate each child as an individual. Guided by the Portledge Pillars of Kindness, Honor, Purpose, and Respect, they create supportive classrooms where every student's voice is valued. In partnership with families, they foster an environment where students feel known, supported, and empowered to thrive.

  • Community

    Portledge Lower School is a vibrant community where students, faculty, and families work together to support each child's journey. Rooted in trust, collaboration, and a genuine sense of belonging, our community celebrates individuality while fostering the connections that help every child grow and thrive.

  • Primary Years Programme

    As an authorized Primary Years Programme (PYP) school, we are actively implementing IB’s approaches to learning from the earliest years, fostering inquiry, reflection, and a global perspective.

School Hours

Kindergarten–5th Grade: 
8:20 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.


Quicklinks

At Portledge, learning in the earliest years is joyful, intentional, and deeply personal. In our Early Childhood and Lower School, curiosity is nurtured, questions are encouraged, and each child is known, supported, and challenged in ways that feel meaningful and age-appropriate. Through hands-on experiences, thoughtful instruction, and strong relationships, students are empowered to explore, take risks, learn from mistakes, and build confidence in who they are as learners and community members. The result is a strong foundation—academically, socially, and emotionally—that sets the stage for a lifelong love of learning.
 

Contacts

List of 4 members.

  • Photo of Lauren Domaradzki

    Lauren Domaradzki 

    Portledge School
    Lower School Division Head
    (516) 750-3195
  • Photo of Leigh DeMaria

    Leigh DeMaria 

    Portledge School
    Director of Early Childhood / Lower School Dean of Students
    (516) 750-3224
  • Photo of Colleen Burke

    Colleen Burke 

    Portledge School
    Lower School Science Teacher, IB PYP Coordinator, Lower School Dean of Students
    (516) 750-3187
  • Photo of Franziska Cohen

    Franziska Cohen 

    Portledge School
    Lower School Front Office Administrator / Admissions Data Assistant
    (516) 750-3151
  • Isabella '34 Isabella '34
    Ella ‘34
     
    "Portledge is a place where you can be yourself; you are always heard, and you learn a lot."
  • Jackson '35 Jackson '35
    Jackson ‘35
     
    "The teachers are nice, and so are your friends; they will make you feel welcome and feel included. And there is recess and lunch and specials; if you don't know what that means, it means little activities and Blue White Day."
  • Amalia '36 Amalia '36
    Amalia ‘36
     
    "All the friends and teachers are nice."
  • Nia '34 Nia '34
    Nia ‘34
     
    "It's a special place because we have fun panthers we pass around for following the pillars and doing kind things. We also have amazing teachers and friends."

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*NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
Portledge School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, educational policies, admission, financial aid, hiring and employment practices, use of school facilities, athletics, and other school-administered programs.
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