Kindergarten is a developmental and nurturing experience for students. The program is rich and varied and incorporates many different styles of learning. Student learning is encouraged through the use of hands-on activities and elementary textbooks.

Students learn how to live in a class community and together they strive to follow the Golden Rule. Respect is a major focus of the school, and it begins in Kindergarten by supporting the students as they learn to show respect for self, respect for others, and respect for the world.

Curriculum

The Kindergarten curriculum reflects a classical tradition and is introduced to students in an enriching and nurturing environment at our independent school. The curriculum balances academics, fine arts, performing arts, and physical education, which provides each student with a well-rounded learning experience. Small class sizes allow teachers to focus attention on developmental stages and individualized learning styles of students, while encouraging creativity and inquiry in students. The curriculum is based on a solid academic foundation.

Language Arts

Activities at the beginning of the year focus on letter/sound recognition with activities based on the “Letter of the Day.” Children who are ready to read or are already reading are provided with enrichment opportunities. Other activities include:

• Reading readiness and phonics instruction
• Responding to literature experiences
• Writing
• Literacy-related tasks
• Italic handwriting
• Sharing

Mathematics

Students approach math with hands-on exploration that includes songs, chants, finger plays, and manipulatives. They learn a variety of skills including:

• Counting
• Sorting and graphing
• Classifying
• Making patterns
• Measuring
• Using money
• Telling time
• Writing numerals
• Addition and subtraction readiness
• Problem solving

Social Studies

Students learn about

• Myself and My Family
• The Community around me

Literature

Group discussions, and activities encourage students to explore this exciting area.

Spanish


Instruction is developmental during the elementary school years. Student skills are developed within the Spanish curriculum.

Arts


Visual and performing arts are an important part of the curriculum: all students have music and art instruction every week. The art studio is a wonderful space devoted to art making in its many forms.



Science

Students explore many areas, including animals, plants, ecology, magnets, and life cycles. Students participate through hands-on activities that encourage them to observe, question, and predict outcomes. Nature walks around the community of Sierra Madre foster in the students a sense of appreciation for our natural environment.

Music

Kindergarten students participate in vocal music and movement activities.

Drama

Kindergarten students participate in annual drama performances.

Physical Education

• Students in grades K through 3 receive instruction four times a week
• Student participation in the Presidential Physical Fitness Award Activities occurs every spring

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