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Cycle 1: Tiny YPK, YPK, PK & K
 
In our Maternelle (Tiny YPK*, YPK and PK) and Kindergarten classes, children learn through play and open-ended activities, as well as structured learning time. The structure of the program is based on five developmental areas: 1) Living in Society; 2) Language; 3) Exploring the World (Math and Science); 4) Observing, Feeling, Imagining & Creating; and 5) Acting, Expressing & Understanding Through Our Bodies

*Tiny YPK students do not have to be potty trained to attend this class.
 
Our Philosophy
 
Our goal is to guide our students in their development of motor, artistic, social, and language skills.
 
Building on these fundamentals, the elementary program provides a rigorous academic foundation in both English and French. The curriculum throughout the Lower School is child-centered and developmentally sequenced, and engages students in learning in an exciting and challenging manner.
 
It provides children with an education that meets their physiological, emotional, and intellectual needs. The day and the environment are carefully thought, out and various activities are planned with the attention span and developmental needs of the children in mind. French is the main language of instruction; however, the program is covered by both English and French teachers and enables the children to feel comfortable beginning their bilingual education.
 
Learning to be part of a community, focusing on tasks, and simply enjoying school are important components of this program. As children progress through Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten, they become increasingly comfortable in their bilingual world. In addition to core literacy and math skills, children are exposed to art, music, and science, as well as holidays and traditions unique to both French and American cultures. Upon the completion of Kindergarten, students are well-prepared to enter our Elementary School with the skills necessary for reading, written expression, and mathematics in both French and English. Students enter our elementary program ready to learn with a strong understanding of fundamental academics, as well as independence and the maturity needed for success in Grade 1.

Highlights

Kindergarten Bilingual Project: Study of a Pumpkin

Kindergarteners work collaboratively to create a bilingual book which details the life cycle of a pumpkin. The unit occurs during the week of Halloween and involves math, science, art, and cooking and culminates in a guided exploration of a local pumpkin farm. Rather than dividing subjects between languages, the French and English curriculum teachers continue the study where it was left off in the previous class, asking students to “switch” to the new language where common vocabulary and structure is reinforced in both languages.

Pre-Kindergarten: Integrating the Arts

Pre-kindergarten students study “the apple” in both languages and celebrate the unit with by making applesauce! In the fall, students sprout apple seeds and study gradient colors in art. They use their senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, feel) to describe the various types of apples and, as a class, chart the details of their findings.
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Photos

Sample Schedules