Primary School (K-4) - Hathaway Brown School | All-girls K-12 in Cleveland

Primary School at Hathaway Brown is where students channel their natural curiosity into extraordinary growth. Through hands-on experiences and innovative curricula like Storyline, girls develop the ability to think through problems in an environment that encourages progress rather than perfection.

Kelly Stepnowsky

Director of Primary School

Since 2008, Kelly has been a beloved part of Hathaway Brown, where she has taught second and third grade, served as K–4 Reading Specialist, and now serves as Primary School Director. Before returning home to Ohio with her husband, Matt, she taught in Providence, RI, and Boston, MA. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Education in Literacy from Providence College.

She brings a deep passion for literacy, hands-on learning, and inspiring children to become creative, thoughtful thinkers. In her leadership of the division, she values academic growth just as much as social-emotional development. You can see this balance woven into daily life in the HB Primary School through Storyline, Responsive Classroom, and Fly Five.

A lifelong athlete and coach, Kelly first laced up her cleats at age five for the “Red Firecrackers” and went on to play collegiate soccer at Notre Dame. Go Irish! Today, she still finds time to play, though most of her energy is spent cheering on girls in grades K-4, and her own three kids in their sports and activities.

When she’s not at school, Kelly is all about family time — swimming, skiing, walking her dogs, Blaze and Lily, building bonfires for s’mores, or simply relaxing with books and music. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or around the firepit, Kelly brings joy, energy, and a love of learning that radiates to everyone around her.

Director Kelly Stepnowsky speaking with a primary student and offering a compliment on the student's project

Through meaningful experiences and joyful discovery, we help young learners grow in confidence, creativity, and understanding—laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

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A Day in the Life

Before-Care Drop-Off

7:30 AM

Before-care drop-off takes place at the new playground by the Primary School's Courtland entrance. Students enjoy outdoor play until school begins. (Optional and included in tuition)

school children in a classroom putting their supplies away

School Begins

8:00 AM

You’re greeted at the Primary School entrance by Ms. Stepnowsky and some friendly fourth graders, then head upstairs to start your day. Ms. Roberts welcomes you with a smile and invites you to unpack and join the morning meeting circle—a joyful cornerstone of our Responsive Classroom SEL program.

A classroom of young students sitting at grouped desks, working on schoolwork together. They are wearing a variety of school uniforms and are engaged in their assignments.

Number Corner (Math)

8:30 AM

Students gather around the calendar to start Number Corner, a daily practice that provides continual encounters with broader mathematical concepts in 15–20 minutes of engaging instruction. Number Corner is an essential component of Bridges in Mathematics, helping girls develop problem-solving and verbal reasoning skills.

group of students and a director standing outside listening to an assembly

Prime Assembly

9:00 AM

The entire Primary School gathers in the Rittinger Family Music Room for structured community time—sharing, celebrating, and learning together.

Science

9:30 AM

Students join Ms. Turell in the science lab for hands-on labs, experiments, and project-based learning, often in collaboration with art, literacy, or music units. They’re sure to feed Butter, the pet leopard gecko!

A classroom of young students sitting at desks, talking and working on assignments. They are wearing a mix of school uniforms and appear engaged in classwork.

Literacy Group Work

10:15 AM

Reading time gets a boost when Primary School Reading Specialist Ms. Rossi (HB Class of 2011) teams up with Ms. Roberts! Together, they lead lively small-group sessions that build strong literacy skills and spark a love of reading.

Lunch

11:00 AM

A crowd favorite is on the menu: grilled cheese and tomato soup with green beans! Students gather by grade with their teachers. Today is extra special—it’s your friend’s birthday, which means a round of the special HB song and a moment in the spotlight—standing on a chair, of course!

two prime students wearing purple on a playground

Recess

11:30 AM

Finally! Students head outside for playtime on the new playground and turf fields.

a young student and her family in the school gym

P.E.

12:05 PM

Students head down to the gym for Physical Education. Each unit takes advantage of our pool, turf fields, gym, and gymnastics apparatus. Favorites include “Bring Your Parent to P.E. Day” and the beloved Prime Field Day with a new spirited theme each year.

A young girl points at the project on the wall

Storyline

12:40 PM

Students eagerly discover what new note the Giant has left. This narrative-based, student-centered approach builds problem-solving skills through inquiry-based storytelling. Hallmark Storylines include Rainbow City (1st Grade – sustainability focus) and The Giant of Thistle Mountain (2nd Grade – SEL focus), all designed to spark curiosity and creativity.

3 young girl students smiling sitting in a circle on the floor

Snack

1:30 PM

Students enjoy a classroom snack while Ms. McCourt reads aloud. Think wholesome granola bars, energy bites, milk, string cheese, or fresh fruit.

2 young girl students holding their art projects in their hands smiling

Art

1:45 PM

Students head to Ms. Odachowski’s classroom—a vibrant, creative space on the top floor! They explore ceramics, texture, and paint while learning about global artistic techniques and artists.

classroom of girls at desks working on school work

Group Math

2:30 PM

Ms. Reesing, Primary School Math Specialist, teams up with Ms. Roberts for a hands-on math game that reinforces skills built throughout the week.

Closing Circle

3:00 PM

Students pack up and gather as a homeroom to reflect and close out the day.

One young student sitting on the floor in the school library, reading a book. She is surrounded by two other students in the background who are also reading.

Dismissal

3:10 PM

Students head to the Courtland entrance for pick-up or to catch the bus. Others join after-school offerings:

Expressions (e.g., Chess Club, Harry Potter Club, IDEA Lab)
After-School Clubs (homework, indoor/outdoor play)
Athletics (developmental and team)
Blazing Barracudas

The HB Primary School Joy

Through hands-on experiences and innovative curricula like Storyline, girls develop the ability to think through problems in an environment that encourages progress over perfection. During these formative years, we focus on building a true love of learning, cultivating self-advocacy, instilling compassion, and empowering students to take charge of their own educational journey.

Notable Women

This beloved tradition brings positive role models to life. Fourth graders read about, research, and interview female leaders, athletes, scientists, and trailblazers—then step into their shoes (in full costume!) at the annual reception.

Dance & Music

In Dance, girls explore movement while building coordination, strength, and flexibility. In Music, they sing, move, speak, and play percussion and recorder. Both classes culminate in the annual Informance—a joyful showcase of their growth.

Storyline

Hathaway Brown was the first in the region to adopt Storyline—a creative, child-centered approach that builds knowledge through collaborative storytelling. This signature method:

Supports differentiation and student
Sparks engagement, decision-making, and curiosity
Integrates research, writing, and social skills
Connects ideas across the Primary School curriculum

By using narrative as a framework, Storyline deepens project-based learning and prepares students for the future.

Computational Thinking and Design Lab

Coding and robotics are woven into the curriculum through hands-on activities and guided exploration in our Marge and Dan Moore Makerspace.

Primary School Traditions

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Visitors join students for classroom visits and performances in this treasured celebration.

Civic Engagement

Each grade connects with a year-long service partner (e.g., Kindergarten–Rescue Village, 2nd Grade–Cleveland Food Bank) for projects, field trips, and service work.

World Cultural Festival

Second graders research a country and present their findings through creative displays and presentations for families.

Prime Field Day

A spirited afternoon of games and teamwork run by the P.E. department.

Read-In Day

Third graders come to school in pajamas and spend the day immersed in reading.

Bring Your Grown-Up to P.E.

A Primary favorite!

Serendipity Day

Girls make wishes for the year to come, tossing a penny into the iconic courtyard fountain.

Book Buddies

Older and younger students partner up to read, bond, and build confidence as readers.

Learn More About Our Traditions

Traditions

Meet Your Primary School Support Team

Kristen Leahy

Primary School Learning Specialist

The Primary School Learning Specialists are a resource for families and students requiring additional support for varying learning needs. They provide support for teachers in the classroom, conduct assessments as well, and run small group instruction.

Contact Info about Kristen Leahy

Miriam Rossi '11

Primary School Reading Specialist

The Primary School Learning Specialists are a resource for families and students requiring additional support for varying learning needs. They provide support for teachers in the classroom, conduct assessments as well, and run small group instruction.

Contact Info about Miriam Rossi '11

Shelby Reesing

Primary School Math Specialist

The Primary School Learning Specialists are a resource for families and students requiring additional support for varying learning needs. They provide support for teachers in the classroom, conduct assessments as well, and run small group instruction.

Contact Info about Shelby Reesing

Lisa Lurie

Primary School Counselor

Our Primary School Counselor, Lisa Lurie, and Consulting Psychologist, Dr. Sarah Spannagel, support students, parents, and teachers. They are integrated members of each grade-level team.

Contact Info about Lisa Lurie

Dr. Sarah Spannagel

Consulting Psychologist

Our Primary School Counselor, Lisa Lurie, and Consulting Psychologist, Dr. Sarah Spannagel, support students, parents, and teachers. They are integrated members of each grade-level team.

Contact Info about Dr. Sarah Spannagel

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