In the Lower Division (grades 1–5), students broaden their global horizons and deepen their understanding of what it means to be part of a community, while pursuing a vibrant academic program of language immersion, inquiry-oriented learning, and interdisciplinary study.
Language immersion continues in the Lower Division, with students learning in English and either Mandarin Chinese or Spanish. Our rigorous project and interdisciplinar-based curriculum builds cognitive flexibility, global fluency, and a deep sense of purpose–in two languages.
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LANGUAGE IMMERSION
Fostering fluency in a world language
Building on the foundation established in the ELC, lower division students learn in both English and their target language. Immersion is a vehicle for–rather than a replacement of–subject-area knowledge. Students switch daily between languages, meeting and exceeding academic goals in both.
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INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING
Critical thinking in action
We pair the pedagogy of inquiry with project-based learning to spark curiosity and build critical thinking skills. Students dive into project work with confidence and excitement, motivated by a desire to expand their knowledge and solve complex problems.
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INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDY
Fostering innovation and real-world problem solving
By asking students to think across, rather than within, traditional academic subjects, interdisciplinary study cultivates creative thinking and cognitive flexibility—vital skills for 21st-century problem solvers.
STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES
A dedicated space for young learners
BUILDING BILINGUALISM
The magic of language immersion
At Avenues, learning a second language is more than an academic pursuit; it is a daily practice that transforms the way students see and think about the world. Bilingualism is the goal, but as educators, we’re more focused on the process, which yields benefits far transcending language acquisition.
Benefits of language immersion
The immersion model confers significant cultural and cognitive advantages on young learners.
Academic Excellence
Immersion is not a trade-off. Research shows that dual-language students consistently outperform monolingual peers on standardized measures of both reading and math.
Empathy & Perspective-Taking
Immersion learners develop the ability to see the world through others' eyes earlier than their peers, building stronger social and emotional intelligence from a young age.
Stronger Executive Function
Language immersion sharpens the brain's "command center," enhancing pattern recognition, attention control, and problem-solving skills, which enhance learning across all subjects.
Lifelong Professional Advantage
Bilingualism opens doors. As students grow into adults, a second language expands career opportunities across industries and borders.
Lifelong Brain Health
The cognitive benefits of bilingualism compound over a lifetime, from sharper thinking in childhood to protecting against cognitive decline in later years.
Academic Challenge, Personalized
Within every Lower Division classroom, teachers differentiate instruction to both stretch and support each learner—offering opportunities for deeper exploration, targeted guidance, flexible grouping, and individualized pathways for growth.
As students develop confidence and agency, many pursue advanced opportunities that extend learning beyond the core curriculum. Signature offerings like the Junior Institute for Advanced Mathematics invite students to engage deeply with complex problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and collaborative inquiry in ways that nurture both challenge and joy. Across disciplines, students are encouraged to think critically, take intellectual risks, and develop the habits of confident, independent learners.
Culture and Connection
Through cultural clubs, celebrations, and community experiences, students explore traditions, perspectives, and stories connected to the languages they study. In the Mandarin Cultural Club, for example, students might engage with calligraphy, ribbon dancing, traditional celebrations, crafts, and storytelling that bring language and culture to life.
Students also begin building connections with peers beyond New York through collaborative projects and exchanges with peer schools across the globe. These early experiences help students see language as a tool for communication, friendship, and understanding while expanding their awareness of different cultures and communities.
Together, these opportunities help students strengthen their sense of belonging, develop empathy and curiosity, and build the intercultural understanding that prepares them for deeper global learning experiences in the Upper Division.
EXPERIENCE AVENUES
Get to know us better at an event
Join us in-person or online for an event, where you can explore our innovative curriculum, meet our leaders, and discover the transformative learning journey your child will experience at Avenues.
Our admissions team stands ready to support your family as you consider Avenues. Get in touch to find out where an Avenues education could take your child.
