Lower School

What sets us apart from other private elementary schools is McGehee’s in-depth understanding of how girls learn and succeed, combined with our mission to meet the potential of the individual girl. Our multifaceted curriculum, low student to teacher ratio and individual approach create an engaging and challenging learning environment. Our classrooms and hallways are lively, filled with student artwork and projects, as well as the voices of our girls. Lower School at McGehee is a place where girls love to learn, and where girls thrive.

students working together

lower school students in library

Each morning our students come through the doors eager to see what the day has to offer. Throughout the day, our girls are actively involved in many learning opportunities to collaborate and learn through discussion and by doing. Whether you walk into a Pre-K or a Fourth Grade classroom, you will see girls actively engaged in all facets of learning. Our small class sizes allow for individualized instruction, attention to student progress, and connection with students. McGehee’s curriculum is designed to foster creativity, problem solving, critical thinking, conversation, and self-esteem.Teachers in all grades thoughtfully differentiate instruction in order to ensure all students are challenged appropriately, and they also create an environment where students develop confidence and feel safe, even while taking risks. To make sure they are always bringing the best tools to the classroom, our faculty attend professional development conferences around the country.

Our Language Arts program focuses on developing core reading and writing skills allowing students to see themselves as lifelong readers and writers.  In math, we have a strong focus on number sense, problem solving, critical thinking, and reasoning.  The Lower School Social Studies program develops an awareness of self, community, country and world.  Part of what is unique to our girls at McGehee is the Toolbox program which fosters the development of resilience, self-mastery, empathy for others, and further strengthens the child's innate capacity to manage their own social, emotional, and academic success by giving them tools that empower them.  Additionally, our girls participate in French, Art, Library, Science/STEM, Music, PE, and Living Skills throughout the weekly rotation.

lower school students with cards

lower school students sitting together

Girls’ schools are often cited for their academic excellence. In addition to academic excellence, it is the ability of girls’ schools to provide a communal experience in the supportive culture that gives the girls an edge later in life. Girls’ schools are the ideal setting since they encourage academic excellence, support risk-taking, prepare girls for college and beyond, and foster a sense of leadership and self-development.

Here, we live our mission every day.

Bess Mills, brand new to the McGehee community, is not new to education with sixteen years of experience as an elementary educator and as the Lower School Dean of Students at Stuart Hall School for Boys. In addition to her role as the Dean of Students, she taught fourth grade English/Language Arts and Social Studies at Stuart Hall as well as third and fourth grade at Academy of the Sacred Heart. Mrs. Mills earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina, and recently completed her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration as an Instructional Specialist from University of Louisiana at Lafayette. 

It was Bess’ collaborative spirit, the capacity to think strategically, and her deep passion for teaching and learning that earned her this position that became effective July 1, 2023.

When asked about her interest in leading this division at McGehee, she commented, “What immediately drew me to McGehee was the school’s mission. The focus on an individualized approach to both academics and character formation was not only appealing, but in alignment with my philosophy of education. At McGehee, girls are empowered to become leaders and take ownership over their learning all within the loving arms of a supportive school community. Walking the halls, visiting classrooms and speaking to faculty, students and parents alike, the joy and love of this place was palpable. I knew I wanted to be a part of the type of institution that played such a pivotal role in the development of these young girls’ lives.”

–Bess Mills, Head of Lower School

 

Bess Mills, Lower School Head