WELCOME TO
Ferndale Lower Elementary
Grades K-2
As a primary school, Ferndale Lower Elementary is designed with the young learner in mind. Teachers use curriculum and learning techniques based on brain-research that enhance visual learning and include music and movement while taking into consideration the individual strengths and needs of each child. Additionally, the program's reputation for excellence is based on a philosophy that fosters independence, promotes self-directed learning, and provides instruction in a project-based environment. Students attending Ferndale Lower Elementary School transition to Ferndale Upper Elementary School for grades 3-5
Bell Schedule
- 8:28am to 3:28pm (M,T, Th,F)
- 8:28am to 2:28pm (W)
Back to School Story
Our Lower Elementary team has made a helpful book for our early learners, to help explain what is going on. Look through this PDF at your next story time!
I'm Going to Kindergarten Story Slides

Music & Movement Combine for Colorful Fun at FLower
This week was “Parachute Week” at Ferndale Lower! Kindergarten through second grade Music and P.E. classes combined together to do cross-curricular and cross-grade level activities with the parachute. There was so much laughter, fun, and learning! There was folk dancing, popcorn balls, mountain climbing, tents and more that incorporated essential skills of working together. Music and gym classes promote social emotional learning in a natural and organic way. It was so much fun!

Elementary Students Present History & Art to Board of Education
Lower Elementary students were invited to the Board of Education meeting on Monday to teach our district stewards about history and culture with some beautiful art projects. The student work was wonderful, and the whole room enjoyed their presentations. Great work, little learners!

PJ Party Concert & Gallery
Ferndale Lower put on their first concert in FOUR years on Thursday this week. The night was split into two concerts with 7 total first grade classes performing "Pajama Party." Music Teacher Meagan Grammatico and Art Teacher Ashley Balogh have collaborated every year where students create artwork that goes along with the theme of the concert and it is displayed in the gym!

Kindergarten Discovers the Paintings of Miss Alma Thomas
Kindergartners at Ferndale Lower Elementary learned about expressionist painter Alma Woodsey Thomas. In addition to a talented artist, Alma Thomas was gifted teacher and dedicated community advocate for arts and culture. Alma was proudly unmarried her entire life, committing her life's ambition to the development of herself and her community with outstanding results. She was the first woman in the US to earn a BFA in Fine Arts and the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney. Read more about Alma and her many landmark accomplishments. in our full article.
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23 Mar
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FLower: PlayLab 3:30 PM to 5:15 PMFLower: PlayLabDate: Mar 23Time: 3:30 PM to 5:15 PMLocation: Ferndale Lower El (Roosevelt) - Lower El Classroom 1Calendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary CalendarClassroom A1
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FLower: Girl Scouts 5:30 PM to 7:30 PMFLower: Girl ScoutsDate: Mar 23Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: Ferndale Lower El (Roosevelt) - Lower El Media CenterCalendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar
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FLower: Girl Scouts 5:30 PM to 7:30 PMFLower: Girl ScoutsDate: Mar 23Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: Ferndale Lower El (Roosevelt) - Multiple SpacesCalendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar
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Ferndale Parks and Recreation: Ferndale Parks and Rec Little Eagles BasketballDate: Mar 23Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Ferndale Lower El (Roosevelt) - Lower El Gym/CafeteriaCalendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar
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24 Mar
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Ferndale Parks and Recreation: Ferndale Parks and Rec Little Eagles BasketballDate: Mar 24Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Ferndale Lower El (Roosevelt) - Lower El Gym/CafeteriaCalendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar
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25 Mar
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Spring Break / No SchoolDate: Mar 25Location: All Sites - All SpacesCalendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar
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26 Mar
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Spring Break / No SchoolDate: Mar 26Location: All Sites - All SpacesCalendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar
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27 Mar
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Spring Break / No SchoolDate: Mar 27Location: All Sites - All SpacesCalendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar
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Points of Pride
- Award-winning National School of Character
- Awarded Michigan Expert Super Green School for incorporating sustainability into everyday practices for 5 consecutive years
- Programs designed specifically for primary students
- Strong intervention programs to support diverse learning needs
- Parental involvement support and engagement programs
- School Family atmosphere for the whole family
First Fives
This program is designed for students who:
- Are eligible to attend kindergarten, having turned five on or before September 1st of the school year;
- Are developmentally young;
- Will benefit from classroom instruction designed with more frequent movement, reduced length of instructional periods, increased use of manipulative and motor activities, and a focus on social and emotional development;
- The Ferndale Schools kindergarten curriculum serves as the basis for the First 5s program with instruction provided in all core content areas. Pre-reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills are emphasized as are mathematics skills.
Our Staff
Lower Elementary Principal: Diana Keefe
Diana Keefe has been principal of Ferndale's Lower Elementary program since 2014. Ms. Keefe is committed to developing relationships and connecting with staff, students, parents, and the surrounding community. A high priority of hers is to forge a strong partnership with the Ferndale early childhood community, including outreach to home childcare providers, private & public preschools, and anyone involved in early childhood. She invites any parents of young children or childcare providers to contact her and set up a visit. If you are interested in meeting with Diana Keefe, please call (248) 586-8800 or email her at Diana.Keefe@ferndaleschools.org.