Lower Campus

The Lower Campus is comprised of Pre-K to Grade 3.  Pre-Kindergarten hours are 8:30 AM-11:30 AM for the half-day schedule and 8:30 AM-2:30 PM for the full-day schedule. The school day for Kindergarten through Grade 3 is 8:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Students in Pre-K that have older siblings in K-8 may remain at school with their teacher until 3:00 PM

Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum 

Our Pre-K Program is designed for children who turn three or four years old by September 1 of the academic year. There are several program options for parents to choose from, depending on their child's readiness and the family's needs. We offer both a half-day program (8:30 - 11:30 a.m.) or a full-day program (8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) for two days (Tuesdays and Thursdays), three days (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), or five days (Monday - Friday). 

The goal of our Pre-K Program is to prepare children for a smooth transition to Kindergarten by developing their social emotional and self-help skills. This is achieved through the creation of a "learn through play" environment, centered around monthly themes focusing on religion, language arts, pre-math, pre-science, cognition, music, art, and dramatic play. Hands-on activity is a primary learning tool, used to help the children develop positive self-image and self-expression.

Kindergarten-Grade 2 Curriculum

The GWCRS Curriculum was written by the GWCRS faculty and staff and is reviewed annually.  GWCRS was the first Catholic elementary school in the Diocese of Providence to have its own written curriculum based on national standards and high academic expectations. This integrated curriculum focuses primarily on reading, language arts, math, and religion. Basic concepts in science and social studies are also taught beginning in kindergarten. Music, visual arts, library, and physical education skills are also taught once a week. 

A remedial reading teacher is on staff to help students who struggle with reading once a week.

Recently, the GWCRS Science Curriculum was reviewed. The updated curriculum focuses on hands-on activities using Foss & Delta science kits and science notebooks. 
  
In 2017, GWCRS implemented a Technology Plan designed by the GWCRS Technology Committee and approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education. The purpose of this plan is to “transform our schools and libraries into modern, information-age learning centers, providing our students with opportunities to become technology-literate citizens."