Academics

Lower School

The Evelyne Sheats Lower School inspires local students in Pre-K-5th grade to delight in learning and expand their imaginations. 
Our Lower School emphasizes comprehensive development of the whole child in a nurturing and supportive environment. Our traditional curriculum and innovative teaching inspire delight in learning and readiness for success at the next level.

There is a focus on innovative teaching that helps students develop written voice and mathematical thinking, along with world language exposure.

Lower School classes are intentionally kept small, with 8-10 students per class. Our Lower School is made up of over 100 students from the surrounding counties in Northeast Georgia, Western North Carolina, and Upstate South Carolina. 

Highlights of our Lower School include: 
  • Writing and math skills emphasis in curriculum
  • Full array of fine arts 
  • Athletic skills development
  • Regular chapel and service-learning activities
  • Optional after school enrichment 
  • Bus service from Clarkesville, Tallulah Falls, Clayton, Franklin, and Highlands

Hear from Head of the Lower School, Mrs. Renee Rogers, on teaching and learning at the Lower School!

Check out our viewbook!

What makes our Lower School academic experience unique?

Building a Foundation

At the Evelyne Sheats Lower School, students build the skills needed to become contributing citizens and inquisitive learners. Small class sizes and specialized attention from top early childhood educators help build a foundational knowledge in reading, mathematics, science, social studies, world culture, and the arts. Character development is also a central pillar of the Lower School curriculum, achieved through our weekly chapel program.

The Power of Play

At the Evelyne Sheats Lower School, we believe in the power of play. Structured play time is incorporated into the classroom curriculum to help reinforce fundamental concepts.  Our students have multiple recess times to encourage social interaction and physical activity. Each Lower School class participates in our physical education program that promotes athletic skills development and habits for healthy living. Swimming instruction in our on-campus indoor pool is part of the Lower School curriculum.

One-on-One Learning Support

In order to identify challenges early and give students the tools needed to be successful in later years, we offer optional, pull-out learning support. Sessions are conducted during the school day, led by an Orton-Gillingham trained instructor. The program includes multisensory reading instruction, particularly for students with dyslexia, auditory, visual and kinesthetic learning tools, and phonics-based reading. Spelling and reading are linked in a unique way. Cost for this program is based on the individual students' plan. Contact our Admissions Office for more information.

We Lead the Way ...

List of 7 items.

  • Through Community

    Providing opportunity to develop an expanded worldview and strong cultural competency for a more interconnected future.

  • Through Academics

    Our traditional curriculum and innovative practices inspire delight in learning and promote fulfillment of potential and readiness for success at the next level.

  • Through Play

    Students develop physical, cognitive, and emotional strength when given the opportunity to play both inside and outside the classroom. Play enables them to use their creativity and interact with the world around them.

  • Through Athletics

    Exercise and skill development offer our students a unique bonding experience that builds teamwork, friendships, spirit, confidence, and character.

  • Through the Arts

    The fine arts program provides rich opportunities for growth by encouraging creative exploration, self-discovery, and analytical thinking.

  • Through Faith, Honor, Service

    Character development is woven into the fabric of our curriculum and includes service-learning activities. Regular worship services reinforce our Presbyterian heritage.

  • Through Affordability

    We strive to make a Rabun Gap education sustainable for families through financial aid grants and affordable bus service.

Lower School News

Our Lower School Academic Team

List of 4 members.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12, located in Rabun Gap, GA. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we combine our strong academic program, mountain setting, and Presbyterian heritage to inspire young people who are eager to learn and grow.


Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School does not discriminate regardless of race, color, religion, gender, disability, creed, or national origin.