Preschool

Modeled after the expectations of an independent school lower school classroom, students begin their day with an individual activity waiting for them at their seat. Afterwards, the student is assigned to a learning center aligned to their specific cognitive challenges. With 10 students total per classroom, centers may be partnered or individual, dependent upon learner needs.

Prekindergarten is built around transition times. These are opportunities for students to move out of one activity and prepare for another. During the first transition point of the morning, students have a bathroom break, wash hands, and enjoy a snack in the classroom. Snacks are nutritious, with emphasis on whole grains, healthy fats, and proteins. Occasional special occasions may include "treats."

Beginning in prekindergarten, students move between multiple classroom spaces and teachers. Co-curricular teachers, also known as enrichments, teach physical education, studio art, music, and library. Students exit their self-contained classroom and travel to the spaces. Lessons are intentionally connected to classroom instruction and developmental benchmarks.

Phonics, math, science, social studies, and culture intersect in whole group lessons. Designed to move students through important social, emotional, and cognitive benchmarks, instruction also connects to what excites and engages three and four-year-olds. This time period also permits small group sessions with students on comparable developmental levels.

Prekindergarten students have the unique privilege of eating in the dining hall at tables, just like the kindergarten class. Hot lunches are prepared by our chef and dining services staff with plates that meet the nutritional needs of our little growers. The meal is included in the price of tuition, and staff are cognizant of allergies and special needs.

Important social-emotional lessons are learned on the playground. From how to take turns at the slide to sharing with friends in an improvised ball game, the playground is a classroom, a large open space with covered shelters, gross motor skills play sets, and large motor skills "toys" to stimulate creativity and tap into the high energy levels of PreK.

The most intense release of human growth hormone in early childhood occurs during deep sleep. Prekindergarten students need between 9.5 and 12 hours sleep daily to grow, develop, and realize their mental and physical potential. As children age, nap times decrease and rest time is an opportunity for moments of calm or a flipping through a "quiet" picture book.

An afternoon transition period allows students to emerge from the quiet period, assist with clean-up, and enjoy a wholesome snack. Students also have a bathroom break that includes hand washing. Backpacks and take-home journals are also packed up as teachers assist students in getting ready for what comes next--bus ride, carpool pick-up, or extended care program. Daily dismissal occurs 3:00-3:15 p.m.

After-school care feels more like summer camp. An extension of the PreK classroom, students are escorted to a special classroom with learning toys, activities, and credentialed staff. The extended care program (ECP) has an additional cost dependent upon how much time is utilized or needed. Outdoor time and a third daily snack are also included in the experience. ECP is also offered in the morning from 7:00-8:10 a.m.