Preschool Program

Philosophy & Curriculum

The focus and philosophy of our Preschool program stresses four main areas of development: intellectual, physical, emotional, and social. Each Preschooler is encouraged to learn at his/her own pace, and the program emphasizes varied learning experiences with various materials and equipment.

Some topics covered during the school year include: colors, shapes, alphabet recognition, phonics, numbers through 10, size relationships, machines, nature, plant cycles, family and self, feelings, transportation, community helpers, animals, growth and nutrition, the five senses, space, dinosaurs, holiday themes, and a daily science curriculum.

Teacher directed activities are presented each morning and the teacher/student ratio is 1:8.

By the time they enter Kindergarten, the children have been exposed to our curriculum of reading and math readiness, music, physical education, and creative play. We expect that by Kindergarten our Preschoolers will be able to:

  • sit still at designated times
  • concentrate
  • finish projects
  • have a developmentally appropriate attention span
  • remember and follow rules and directions
  • take part in group activities
  • begin to handle their bodies in a coordinated manner
  • find pleasure in socially acceptable behavior
  • experience friendships and affection outside the family circle
  • learn to channel emotions constructively
  • learn to share
  • participate in a wide variety of experiences
  • learn to express their needs and feelings constructively

Parent Teacher Conferences

The progress of Preschool children is reported to the parents in two ways:

  • Parent/Teacher conferences. These are held in February, and each Pre-K parent receives an evaluation of their child’s progress. Conferences are also available throughout the year at the request of either the teacher or the parent.
  • Finished projects that the children bring home. Children are creative with a variety of materials, and they are most proud to bring home the things they create for your enjoyment and admiration.

Advancement to Kindergarten

The Head of Lower School will discuss with parents their child’s readiness for Kindergarten. Her recommendation will take into consideration the child’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. Despite chronological age, if the child is developmentally unready for Kindergarten, it may be recommended that he/she enjoy another year in Preschool. Our cut-off date however is August 31st. Children must be 5 years old by August 31st to enter Kindergarten, 6 years old by August 31st to enter 1st Grade, etc.

Hearing Screenings

Each year a hearing screening is available for Preschool students at no cost to the parents. This screening is conducted by the John Tracy Clinic and is to alert the parents of possible problems that have gone undetected and which may affect the child’s progress at school.