An independent Christian School serving students PreK3-12th grade.
Lower School
Dear Families,
I am humbly honored with the privilege of leading the Early Childhood and Lower School divisions, it is truly the best career decision I have made.
You might ask why this was the best decision. The connectivity within the TVS community is remarkable to say the least. I not only have the benefit of loving every moment of what I do, but I am fortunate to do so with an amazing, talented team of administrators, faculty and staff who are committed to empowering and inspiring students in their most formative years to create solutions in an ever-changing world all while modeling and instilling Christian values. The constant desire to learn more, be more, and to discover ways to ignite one another and our students is awe inspiring.
The Lower School years are foundational to the growth and maturation of student potential. These years are where students explore their interests and become acutely aware of their gifts and talents through discovery. We know every student is different and has positive attributes to contribute to our communities, the world and global societies. Before our fifth graders head off to middle school they highlight their passions, what they can contribute to our communities and beyond with their Capstone Passion Projects. It is our responsibility to provide our Lower School Knights opportunities to foster their individuality in the development of the whole child. This culminating project spotlights years of growth.
We believe that the social and emotional, and character development of a child is equally as important as academics and innovative thinking. Our Christ Skills and weekly chapel services cultivate character development and a strong sense of morality that shepherd us in our interactions with others in and out of the classroom. The Lower School faculty model these Christ Skills in their day-to-day interactions with one another and with our students. The Responsive Classroom framework creates a more positive classroom atmosphere supporting social and emotional development.
In partnership with the Lower School faculty and staff, we are committed to the continuation of growth, cross-divisional alignment, delivery of rigorous academics, differentiated instruction, and project based learning where students are Known, Nurtured and Loved in a Christian Environment.
I encourage you to visit TVS, it will change your life, you will fall in love with it just as I did.
Knights for Life!
Janna Outlaw, MA Ed.
Head of ECE & Lower School
The Lower School at The Village School of Naples offers a dynamic and nurturing environment where Kindergarten through 5th grade students are encouraged to explore, grow, and excel. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to emphasize the importance of solving problems, cooperating, and thinking critically in a variety of settings. Faculty members are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive educational atmosphere where students are empowered to stretch their minds, take appropriate risks, and develop into confident, capable learners.
Investigation, collaboration, and critical thinking are woven throughout the curriculum, ensuring students actively engage in their learning journey. Our approach integrates traditional academics with a creative and organic learning process inspired by the principles of Reggio Emilia. This balance fosters the development of the whole child, empowering students to discover and cultivate their unique gifts and talents.
Students in our Lower School delight in an imaginative, experiential environment where they are active participants in their education. The curriculum is enriched with Related Arts classes, including Physical Education, Music, Art, Innovation, Library, and Spanish. These classes, combined with cross-curricular connections and hands-on learning opportunities, allow students to apply their knowledge in meaningful and real-world contexts. This experiential learning approach culminates in our 5th grade capstone project, where students select a topic they are passionate about, develop a project that incorporates community service, and present their findings at the end of the year, demonstrating the skills, knowledge, and social/emotional intelligence they have acquired.
The Village School of Naples also embraces a balanced approach to technology in the classroom. From one-on-one iPads in grades K-3 to Chromebooks in grades 4-5, we ensure that our students are equipped with the right tools to enhance their learning experience. Additionally, our students have access to the Village Success Center, a neurodiverse program offering a broad range of specialized services designed to stretch the brightest students and support those with language-based learning and math differences.
We are committed to providing a child-centered education rooted in Christian values, supported by a responsive classroom approach that nurtures both academic and emotional growth. At The Village School of Naples, the Lower School experience is one that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning that will last a lifetime.