Traditions
The Episcopal Academy's many traditions have been handed down through its 230-year history. This extends to Lower School, which offers a wide variety of opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun beyond the classroom.
Aurora-Vesper Field Day
Every EA student is placed in one of two houses: Aurora or Vesper. Each spring, the houses compete with relay races, team activities, and games at Aurora-Vesper Field Day. This casual, fun celebration promotes teamwork and sportsmanship among all Lower School students.
Arts Fest
Arts Fest is a schoolwide celebration of the arts that occurs each spring. Students are given a break in their day to appreciate Lower, Middle, and Upper School artwork on display and participate in interactive workshops. Musical performances, poetry recitations, and student-choreographed dance routines are also available for the entire EA community.
The 100th Day
Every day, Kindergarteners count the days of school. On the 100th day, Kindergarten classes join together for activities to celebrate.
Earth Day
Every April, Kindergarten participates in the global celebration of Earth Day. The classes come together for special activities including planting seeds, games, singing songs, and making musical instruments from recycled materials. Seedlings planted on Earth day are later planted out in the garden.
Studying Monarch Butterflies
The First Grade curriculum integrates the study of insects, weather, and geography through tracking the monarch butterfly migration to Mexico. Students send paper butterflies to children from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico as friendship ambassadors. They also plant tulips in the Sid Buck Community Garden to track the return of monarch butterflies.
Apple Picking at Highland Orchards
In Social Studies, first graders study transportation, exploration, and tall tales in North America beginning with the story of Johnny Appleseed. We celebrate his birthday by picking apples at Highland Orchards and bringing them back for an apple tasting treat.
Cape Henlopen Trip
This fourth grade trip offers children an opportunity to go seining and learn about sea creatures in the bay. The trip includes playing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, a night hike and a campfire to roast marshmallows.
Culture Fest
In this culminating event for the fourth grade studies of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, students dress as ancient Egyptians or Greeks, parade through the Lower School, and work in groups to perform skits based on the Greek myths. They participate in Olympic Games and enjoy a Mediterranean feast.
Extracurricular Activities
There are many optional clubs and activities available to Lower School students. These clubs are designed to serve as an additional educational experience and complement the Lower School’s academic curriculum. Clubs include Library Literary Lunch Bunch, Theater Set Design, Performing Ensemble, and Newscast.
Learn more here.