Pre-K/K – 4’s and 5’s

Monday–Thursday 8:45am–3:15pm, Friday 8:45am–12:00pm

Our Pre-K/Kindergarten program is a mixed-age outdoor/indoor program for 5 and 4-year-olds. Children are a part of a family and community outside of school and come to school with valuable life experiences that enrich and effect experiences in school. To effectively meet the needs of children, priority is placed on establishing and maintaining partnerships with families and the community. Student learning and understanding occur in different ways and at different rates for each child and these differences add to the value of the learning environment. We embrace the natural curiosity of each child and offer meaningful child-based learning experiences that will strengthen their skill development and help to nurture a lasting connection with the natural world. Spending time outdoors has been proven to be extremely beneficial for children in every area of development. Playground and forest time offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a natural environment. Indoors, activities are planned to reinforce different styles of learning (multiple intelligences) whether it be through logic, music, language, nature, art, social, or visual-spatial modes. We also incorporate flexible, differentiated grouping so that every child receives appropriately challenging material. Along with this idea, teachers realize that learning to be a part of a larger group is essential at this stage of development and for future school success. Therefore, teachers provide opportunities daily for focused lessons, small or individual group work, and for large group interactions.