Kindergarten

Our Kindergarten program provides a caring and engaging environment where students strengthen the foundational skills needed for future academic success. Through a balance of hands-on learning, guided instruction, and meaningful play, children develop confidence in reading, writing, mathematics, and problem-solving while continuing to grow socially and emotionally. Kindergarten fosters curiosity, creativity, and independence, encouraging students to become thoughtful learners, responsible classmates, and active participants in the world around them.

Kindergarten Curriculum

Literacy

Kindergarten is a joyful and engaging year of discovery where students build the foundational literacy skills needed for lifelong success. Aligned with the New York State Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards, our literacy curriculum fosters a love of reading and writing through a balanced approach that emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, comprehension, speaking and listening, and early writing skills. Students explore rich literature and informational texts, practice letter and sound recognition, develop fluency with high-frequency words, and learn to express their ideas through drawing, dictating, and writing. Through meaningful conversations, hands-on activities, and individualized support, children gain the confidence and skills needed to become enthusiastic readers, writers, and communicators.

Science Exploration

Children in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade work together to explore the scientific studies of physical, life, earth, and space. We focus on age-appropriate exercises that employ the five senses, seasons, life cycles, hypothesizing, and identification. Our children study environmental responsibility and learn how to care for the environment through the application of the sustainability life cycle (reduce, reuse, recycle). They watch in wonder as they witness, firsthand, the lifecycle of a live animal in their classroom. Interwoven through our marquee experiences are stand-alone STEAM topics including the water cycle, animal habitats, plant growth, simple machines, and color mixing.

Mathematics

Kindergarten mathematics provides students with a strong foundation in number sense, problem-solving, and mathematical thinking. Aligned with the New York State Mathematics Learning Standards, our curriculum encourages children to explore math through hands-on activities, games, and real-world experiences. Students develop an understanding of counting, number relationships, addition and subtraction within 10, patterns, measurement, data, and basic geometry. Through collaborative learning and guided exploration, children learn to explain their thinking, recognize multiple strategies for solving problems, and build confidence in their mathematical abilities. Our goal is to nurture curious, capable learners who see math as a meaningful and enjoyable part of everyday life.

Religion

Our religion curriculum helps children build an understanding of God and His message. Activities that aid in the delivery of the message in an age-appropriate manner include Bible stories, payer, and dramatic play. Children learn the importance of prayer; they begin each day with the Lord's prayer and say grace before meals. Religious themes are interwoven throughout our days by instilling a strong moral foundation in our children. In celebration of the Christmas season, we host an all-school Christmas concert and live nativity in St. Francis de Sales Church.

Art and Baking

Children engage in a classroom art project or baking a recipe from scratch, with the close guidance and supervision of their teacher.

Art: This fun exploration of different art styles and concepts allows students to practice using a wide array of mediums in a safe, creative environment.
Baking: To bring books to life, we tie our baking or cooking project into our literary theme of the week. For example, we will read Stone Soup and prepare homemade stone soup and biscuits.

Art and baking activities alternate weekly.

Music

Children are introduced to the world of music through singing, sensitivity to beat, and expressive movement through various activities. Children work on their fine motor coordination with handheld instruments and unrestrained movement with scarves provides students with fun, attention-holding activities and helps them find their natural rhythm. Music lessons are created and led by certified music teacher and children's song composer Joanne Kucerak.

Dramatic Play

Children explore, enjoy, and share new ways of self-expression through movement, pantomime, storytelling, puppetry, improvisation, and small and large group performances. Students develop public speaking skills as they practice the art of storytelling and have the opportunity to perform live in front of their classmates and families in our marquee celebrations, including our Thanksgiving Finger Food Festival, Christmas concert, Easter performance, Mother's Day Tea, and graduation ceremony.

Recess and Outdoor Play

We believe outdoor play is essential in small children - no matter the season. The senses awaken when we get outdoors, in fall, winter, and spring. Our philosophy is to "dress for a mess," as we encourage our students to dig, splash, climb, and collect objects from nature in Myers Park, across the street from our school, or in our new outdoor play area, the Whimsical Wondergarten. The Whimsical Wondergarten features a jungle gym, climbing dome, airplane teeter-totter, playhouse, and planting and garden area. During inclement weather and much-colder winter days, the children play indoors in our very large gymnasium.

Schedule at a Glance

The schedule below is intended to provide an overview of a typical day. Teachers may modify the timing and sequence of activities to best meet the needs of their class, making each day's schedule flexible and responsive to student learning.

8:00 - 8:20 am · Child-Initiated Play

An opportunity for children to explore, create, and learn through play, guided by their interests.

8:20 - 8:45 am · Morning Meeting

Morning Meeting is a meaningful way to begin the day, fostering a sense of community and kindness. Students start with the Our Father prayer, centering their hearts and minds. A daily question encourages conversation and critical thinking, while social-emotional learning activities help students build self-awareness, empathy, and positive relationships. Each day also includes a focus on kindness, as students are encouraged to reflect on and carry out small acts that make a big difference.

8:45 - 9:15 am · Enrichment Classes

Specialized classes like music, gym, and library provide opportunities for children to explore creativity, develop physical coordination, and foster a love of learning.

9:15 - 9:30 am · Snack

A designated time for children to enjoy a nutritious snack, socialize with peers, and practice self-care skills like cleaning up and sharing. (Children bring their snack to school daily.)

9:30 - 9:45 am · Circle Time

During this time, students recite the Pledge of Allegiance, review the calendar, discuss the day’s weather, and engage in early math skills like counting and exploring place value. These activities help build number sense, time awareness, and a sense of community, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.

9:45 - 10:45 am · English Language Arts

Students strengthen reading, writing, and language skills through daily practice in phonics, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary.

10:45 - 11:30 am · Math

Students build number sense and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities and real-world math connections.

11:30 am - Noon · iReady Reading or Math

i-Ready is an interactive program that meets students right where they are and helps them grow in reading and math. With personalized lessons and fun, skill-building activities, students work at their own pace to strengthen core skills and build confidence. Teachers use i-Ready to support each student’s progress and guide their learning journey.

Noon - 12:30 pm · Lunch

A time for children to enjoy a healthy meal, practice good manners, engage in conversations, and foster social skills. (Children bring their lunch to school daily.)

12:30 - 1 pm · Free Art

Students explore their creativity using a variety of materials, with time for open-ended expression and a weekly guided art project.

1 - 1:45 pm · Recess

A lively break for outdoor play at the school’s playground, the park, or in the gymnasium. Children have the freedom to explore and socialize, supporting their social emotional development.

1:45 - 2:10 pm · Read Aloud Story Time

Students gather to enjoy a shared story, building listening skills, comprehension, and a love for reading.

2:10 - 2:20 pm · End of Day Meeting

Students close the day with the Hail Mary prayer and a reflection on key lessons and highlights from the day.

2:30 pm · Dismissal

At the end of the day, children are guided through a calm and organized dismissal process.