Early Childhood Programs:
Nursery, Pre-K, Kindergarten

You Can't Say You Can't Play

Learning through play remains key for Pre-K students. Equally important, they learn about being a good friend.

Imaginative play and learning are linked, and students build early literacy through reading independently and individually with teachers.

Acting out stories and journal writing help students to stretch their early reading skills. Dress-ups, nature walks, singing, and participating in conversations with classmates and teachers encourage students to observe, listen, and synthesize new information.

Special classes in art, music, physical education, science, and Spanish enrich the day. Weekly visits to the Lower School library help foster an early love of books.

Laying the Foundation

In Kindergarten, there is lots of play balanced with a focus on preparing students for grade 1 and beyond.

Students’ early literacy flourishes as they master sound/symbol associations, write in their journals, read stories, and recite poetry. Math fluency develops as students learn to recognize numerals, explore spatial awareness through the use of manipulatives, create addition and subtraction sentences, and investigate the world of measurement. Teachers individualize instruction to meet the needs of each child. For example, children who come to Kindergarten reading are encouraged to grow their skills with a program designed for challenge.

Each Kindergarten classroom is staffed with two full-time, highly qualified teachers. Students meet regularly with specialists in art, computers, math, music, science, physical education, and library.

Learning to Love Learning

In addition to the early childhood education programs listed above, our Lower School prides itself on a broad and varied Grade 1 through Grade 5 curriculum that offers opportunities for each child to explore, discover new interests, and shine.

Classes are small, allowing teachers to individualize challenging work for their students. The result of this education is that students have developed the confidence to speak up for themselves, as well as the skills to articulate their thoughts insightfully and effectively.

Learn more about the Lower School program here.