Lower School

Everest’s lower school programming seamlessly integrates age-appropriate activities to provide a successful learning foundation for preschool through fifth-grade students.

pre-kindergarten

mini-mountaineers

Everest’s early learning program for parents and children encourages play and interaction with others in the community. It’s a chance to explore hands-on activities, listen to books, create crafts, play in the gym, and visit the chapel.

preschool

Looking for a supportive, nurturing preschool in Clarkston, Michigan? Our best-practice curriculum prepares children for kindergarten and builds social-emotional awareness skills, including active listening, expressing feelings, and interacting with others.

junior kindergarten

An optional year of junior kindergarten provides additional time for social, emotional, and academic development to help students build greater confidence and independence.

Academic subjects including phonics, math, science, religion, and social studies are self-paced and hands-on. Classes are limited to 18 students per year. Opportunities for play and rest are built into the day, and students have full access to specials, including gym, computers, music, and art.

elementary

kindergarten - 2nd grade

Everest teaches K–2 students a love of learning and development of age-appropriate skills and habits, including honesty, dedication, cheerfulness, and reverence.

Our personalized learning environment helps kindergarten students build reading literacy, with a goal of independent reading by the end of the school year.

Our first- and second-grade curriculum emphasizes mastery of foundational math, reading, and writing skills, including counting, times tables, phonics, leveled reading, grammar, handwriting, and cursive.

3rd-5th grade

Everest’s upper elementary curriculum encourages independence, study skills, and personal responsibility through student-driven learning.

In addition to core academic subjects, our private after-school programs use STEM principles to create interdisciplinary connections between science, technology, religion, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.

standardized testing

Everest uses MAP®️ Growth™ testing in kindergarten through 7th grade.

MAP Growth is a computer-based test which assesses a student’s instructional level to measure academic growth throughout the school year in reading, math, language, and science. The testing is unique and adapts to each child’s level of learning. Test results provide immediate and accurate information about classroom learning allowing teachers to plan instruction accordingly.

integral formation

From early exposure to chapel visits and foundational academics to preparing for sacraments and learning to serve others with integrity, Everest’s Integral Formation process helps lower school students nurture their hearts and minds in a Christ-centered environment.

human

  • Socio-Emotional Development (Pre-K)
  • Mountaineers of the Month (K–2)
  • Caring for Appearance & School (K–2)
  • Growth in Habits (3–5)
  • Understanding of Virtue (3–5)
  • Integrity & Honesty (3–5)
  • CYO Sports (3–5)

intellectual

  • Center-Based Learning (Pre-K)
  • JK & Kindergarten Programs to Meet Individual Needs (Pre-K–K)
  • Love of Learning (K–2)
  • Phonics & Reading Fluency (K–2)
  • Memorization & Times Tables (K–2)
  • Focus on Habits (3–5)
  • Small Classrooms (3–5)
  • Cursive Handwriting (3–5)
  • Forensics & Spelling Bee Competitions (3–5)

spiritual

  • Chapel Visits (Pre-K)
  • Parent & Child Retreats (Pre-K)
  • Sacrament Preparation (K–2)
  • Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program (Pre-K–2)
  • Virtue Program (K–2)
  • Knowledge of the Faith & Building a Prayer Life (3–5)
  • Altar Serving (3–5)
  • Catechism Contest (3–5)

apostolic

  • Kindness & Charity (Pre-K)
  • Concrete Works of Charity (K–2)
  • Understanding the Call to Evangelization (3–5)
  • Serving Younger Classes (3–5)

Student Life at Everest

Learn more about student life at Everest, with age-appropriate activities, sports, fine arts, and more.

Spiritual Life at Everest

Our faith formation programs give students opportunities to express their faith and grow in their love of Christ.

April 29, 2026

STREAM Coders Finish Year

Read More
March 1, 2026

February Mountaineers of the Month

Read More
March 20, 2025

Final Mother & Child Retreat

Read More

Take the next step

The best way to learn about Everest is to experience it for yourself. Ready to see if Everest is right for your family? Let us show you more.