The PK2-PK4 program is designed to allow children the opportunity to develop their individual talents and abilities and experience success in academic and social situations. It focuses on the development of motor, language, and conceptual skills while building a foundation for effective social interaction and decision-making.

The learning environment in the Lower School is designed to address the emotional, intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual needs of each child. The development of decision-making and social skills is fostered in an affirming atmosphere.

The richness of the middle school program begins with emphasis on a traditional core curriculum of mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. Emphasis is placed on the skills of critical thinking, analyzing text, and researching that are the focus in the advanced topics in math class, marine biology, and literature. The importance of writing with clarity voice is reflected in the required writer’s workshop class that meets daily in addition to the core morning English class. Organizational skills and study habits are strengths of St. Mark’s students. These skills are taught, not in isolation, but in the context of each subject area class. Electives, offered in seventh and eighth grade, afford students the opportunity to explore areas of areas of interest such as photography, visual art, graphic art, web design, personal fitness, band, drama, and dance.