Character Education

Friday in the Dent

Take it to the limit, take it to the top! We’re the mighty Griffins and we can’t be stopped! We know our manners, we know our rules, building our character makes us cool!

Each Friday morning the entire Lower School gathers in the Dent for singing, skits, stories and special guest presentations. It is our opportunity to recognize achievements, birthdays and unique events.

Friday morning community meetings embody the Lower School philosophy of educating the whole child by providing a time for reflection, role-playing and character building with the purpose of creating positive interactions and a broader acceptance of others as well as building confidence in oneself. The IB Learner Profile is a focus of the meetings.

SDS Lower School students raising their hands

Outdoor Learning

Young students thrive in opportunities to explore and learn outside, and our outdoor classroom provides endless opportunities for our earliest learners. Unique elements such as a sensory garden foster a sense of wonder through creativity and imaginative play.

SDS Lower School student

The Honor Code

Displayed in every classroom and office and a critical part of many lessons and conversations, the Honor Code contains our most basic promises to each other: We will respect others, tell the truth and will not cheat.

As a member of the Spartanburg Day School community, students agree that they must demonstrate respect both for him or herself and for every other member of the community. Students commit themselves to promoting behaviors that are valued within the Spartanburg Day School community.


Community Service

Lower School students learn to make their community a better place by doing age appropriate service projects. Our youngest students provide new socks to those in need through Operation Twinkle Toes during the winter months, while our older students plan and implement their own projects to improve the community around them.