Academics

Lower School (Grades K - 5)

Lower School Overview

The years spent in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade are some of the most important, as they establish a strong foundation in academics, Global citizenship, character, and social-emotional intelligence. Palm Valley’s Private Elementary School (K-5) offers a program that develops students in these areas through a safe, nurturing environment that seeks to encourage students to become active, lifelong learners.

What Makes Us Unique

Our teachers are highly qualified, caring individuals who are passionate about their students. Walk into any classroom, and you’ll feel the excitement and joy of learning. Instruction is delivered through small collaborative groups, whole-group, and individualized instruction and Project-Based Learning. We have a gifted clustering program as well as an on-site Learning Specialist to help support students with Individualized Learning Plans.

Students in the Lower School enjoy classes in Art, Spanish Language, Technology, Music, and daily Physical Education with qualified specialist Teachers. We also have a SmartLab where students can create, problem-solve and collaborate with peers to develop their higher-order thinking skills.

Beginning in Kindergarten, students learn social and emotional skills through the use of classroom meetings discussions, and role play. Developing these skills allows students to understand other perspectives, make sound choices, and know and manage themselves. Our faculty are trained in the No Bully.org program. Through this, students learn to manage conflicts and make good decisions.

Pick Up and Drop Off Times: Monday 8:00am-2:00pm, Tues-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm

Community Engagement

Ask any Alumni, Family, or Student about what makes Palm Valley Lower School special, and they will say the community. This is built through our close teacher-student connections, communication, and partnership with families, and our many cultural and family events and presentations throughout the year. Some of these programs include Family Math Night, Coffees with the Head of Lower School, and the Talent Show. Cultural presentations include members from the community who share their traditions such as Dia de Los Muertos, Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Native American Bird Dancers.

Though we have high academic expectations, we strive to develop and nurture the students’ social and emotional learning, respect for diversity, and a responsibility to self and others.

Aftercare Program 2023-2024

Palm Valley School offers a Young Scholars Club after school. The program will consist of homework time, games, and other organized activities. Hours: Mondays from 2:15 pm to 5:30 pm, and Tuesdays through Fridays from 3:15 pm to 5:30 pm on regular school days.
Palm Valley Private School occupies 34 acres in Rancho Mirage with stunning mountain views. The campus features separate campuses and buildings for each of our four divisions – Preschool (toddler to 5 years), Elementary (Grades K-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), and High School (Grades 9-12), along with a full-size gymnasium, several separate recesses and athletic fields, a black box theater and a smart lab.