Building Confidence and Community: A Message for Parents of Summit School’s Lower School

At Summit School’s Lower School, we understand that education is about more than just academics. Our focus is on the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically. “Who cares what grades you get if you’re not emotionally ready to do anything?” says one of our staff members, highlighting our emphasis on emotional well-being. We believe that every child needs a solid emotional foundation to thrive in life, and at Summit, we make sure that happens.

Our dedicated staff is deeply committed to impacting students’ lives, not just by teaching, but by fostering self-confidence and encouraging a growth mindset. This skill—believing in oneself and learning from mistakes—will help our students for the rest of their lives. “Not everyone is going to be a doctor or a lawyer,” explains one teacher, “but everyone deserves to be confident and resilient, no matter what path they take.”

At Summit, we pride ourselves on building a strong, supportive community where every student feels seen and heard. We don’t push students through academics without paying attention to their emotional and social needs. Instead, we tailor our approach to each child’s unique interests and challenges, making sure they are supported every day. “There’s a pattern and predictability to what we do,” a teacher shares, “but we also adapt and improvise to meet the needs of each child.”

Strong Communication with Parents

An essential part of our success comes from our close partnership with parents. Early on, we establish open lines of communication so that we can better understand each child’s background, challenges, and strengths. This collaboration allows us to offer more personalized support, ensuring that each student thrives. As one teacher points out, “Once parents see how much their child thrives in this environment and how much they want to come to school, that’s when everything clicks.”

Summit School is more than just a place of learning—it’s a second home for our students. We take great pride in making sure every child fits in, feels supported, and has everything they need to succeed. Though transitioning to a new school can be challenging for both parents and children, Summit offers a welcoming environment filled with comfort, community, and care. “We love our kids as if they are our own,” says a staff member, “and their successes are our greatest gift.”