Kindergarten Program
Our Private Kindergarten program prepares children academically and socially for a smooth transition into First Grade. The progressive curriculum, paired with the positive learning environment at our school, sets our Kindergarten students up for success. We strive to provide an atmosphere where self-concept is enhanced, independence and choices are encouraged and self-discipline is gained in an environment where the child knows his or her expectations and educational goals.
Our five-hour core program begins with a Morning Meeting. Students review calendar, weather, counting/place value, phonetic spelling skills (using student interaction to create sentences) and stories related to our current themes or responses to stories that have been read aloud. The Morning Meeting is followed by a snack, a period of math manipulatives and, later in the year, daily journal-writing.
Each day includes two recess times for exercise and play. Twice per week, formal physical education activities are planned to focus on skills such as body positioning, skipping, hopping, throwing, catching, left/right direction and developing other gross motor skills.
After outside time, the children receive tasks to be completed in their math books, letter books (phonics and reading), picture word journals and other theme-related art. They also work in the science and math centers or spend time on other enrichment tasks like computers. During the center or enrichment time, the teacher also pulls small groups or individual children for reading groups, phonics, science experiments or possibly to work in a small group with a parent volunteer.
Learning Spanish is part of our curriculum. Once per week, a special class is held with a native Spanish speaking teacher.