Lower School at Sabot

What makes our Lower School program different?

Sabot designs experiences for all of our students that take into account children’s developmental needs, changing cognitive abilities, neurological and social/emotional development, and the rapidly changing demands and opportunities of the 21st century. We favor concepts and questions that help students acquire the tools of research in a variety of disciplines and achieve specified learning objectives, yet provide latitude for students to explore related questions and themes.


This results in a progressive education that is cutting-edge, child-friendly, and effective. When our students graduate, they go having gained the expected academic content and skills, tools for the social dynamic of school and life, self-knowledge, and confidence. Intrinsic motivation drives our students’ curiosity and effort at Sabot and beyond.


Sabot is accepting Kindergarten - Grade 5 applications for the 2025-2026 school year

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  • Meet Aja, K-3 Program Director

    Aja Jones began her educational journey at an independent Reggio-inspired school in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Reggio Emilia approach shaped Aja’s educational philosophy, placing value on student driven learning, a connection with nature, and process over product.


    After obtaining her Masters of Teaching from the University of Virginia, Aja spent the next eight years serving in public schools as a lower elementary school teacher and teacher leader. During this time, she achieved her National Board Certification for Early Childhood Education and a Masters in Education for Administration and Supervision from  the University of Virginia.  


    Aja joined Sabot in 2022, enthusiastic to return to a Reggio Emilia setting and its powerful impact on students’ development and growth.

  • Meet Jess, 4-8 Program Director

    Jess came to Sabot as a Middle School Science teacher-researcher and advisor and now serves as an essential member of the administrative team. 


    With a strong background in school leadership at the Middle School level as well as in experiential learning, she is passionate about engaging students in fieldwork and community action. While at the Brooklyn Urban Garden Charter School, she was the Director of Science, Sustainability and the Arts. 


    As part of the leadership team there, she managed the professional development program, developed curriculum and student assessments, worked with the Child Study Team, and was responsible for establishing and maintaining community partnerships. 


    She has additional experience supervising faculty teaching Science and STEAM, providing support as they align their work with the constructivist pedagogy and science standards. Jess and her wife reside in South Richmond with their dog, cat, and chickens. 

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