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Primary

Primary Program - 3 to 5 Years Old:

3 and 4 Year Old Class Time:

Half Day - 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Full Day - 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
All Day & All Year - 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

3 and 4 Year Old Programs:

5 Day Half Day
5 Day Full Day
5 Day All Day
5 Day All Year

5+ Year Old Enrichment (Kindergarten) Class Time:

Full Day - 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
All Day - 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
All Year - 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The Primary classroom builds from the foundation established in the Toddler program. Around the age of three, a child begins to move from the Unconscious Absorbent Mind to the age of the Conscious Absorbent Mind. The analogy of the "sponge" is still applicable during this period, as the mind has an ability to take in all aspects of the environment without effort or fatigue. They are prepared to move about and explore the world around them in order to create the "man that they are to become."

The Primary environment is carefully prepared so that this young explorer can go about his/her work of discovering the world. The room is rich with sensorial, academic, and everyday living exercises that appeal to the needs of each child. All of the lessons in the classroom are self-correcting in order to promote independence. The environment is outfitted with child-size furniture in order to ensure comfort, accessibility, and utility.

The adult in this classroom has a dual role as a model and a follower, striving to cultivate the creative spirit of the child. Upon careful observation, lessons are strategically organized throughout the room for the child to independently use these works for self-construction. The teacher also presents well-planned lessons to individual children and small groups using specifically-designed, age-appropriate materials.

The morning work cycle is from 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. At 11:00, the children break for clean-up and morning cycle. Outside time is from 11:30 - 11:55 a.m. Dismissal is at noon for the half-day 3 and 4 year olds. Lunch begins at noon for the 5 year old, full and all-day students.

Following lunch, the 5 year old (some 4 1/2 year olds depending on ability) will engage in a longer work cycle that emphasizes academics and enrichment classes. The kindergarten children enjoy formal Music and P.E. classes. This session is designed specifically for the development of skills necessary for success in Lower Elementary.

Primary Curriculum:

  • Practical life
  • Math
  • Reading
  • Language
  • Writing
  • Geography
  • Science
  • Fine motor skill development
  • Gross motor skill development
  • Cultural studies
  • Education of the senses
  • Exploration of nature

Primary Goals:

  • Love of learning
  • Self-confidence
  • Solid academic foundation
  • Respect for others
  • Respect and care of the environment
  • Care of self
  • Independence
  • Ability to make responsible choices
  • Creative thinkers

Primary Class Schedule:

7:30 - Arrival for All Day and Year Round Students
8:15 - 8:30 - Drop Off Time for Full Day Students
8:30 - 8:45 - Circle Time
8:45 - 11:30 - Uninterrupted Work Period
11:30 - 12:00 - Recess/Playtime
12:00 - 12:15 - Hand Washing and Lunch Set-Up
12:15 - 12:45 - Lunch
12:445 - 1:00 - Lunch Clean-Up
1:00 - 2:30 - Nap Time for 3 and 4 Year Old Students
1:00 - 2:30 - Secondary Work Period and Enrichment Classes for enrichment Students
2:30 - 3:00 - Afternoon Snack
3:00 - 3:15 - Dismissal for Full Day Students
3:15 - 4:15 - Work Period
4:15 - 5:15 - Outside Time
5:15 - 5:30 - Clean-Up/Dismissal for All Day and All Year Students