4s (Pre-Kindergarten)
Ages 4-5 years old
Overview
In the 4s program, children build their social competencies and deepen their knowledge base by engaging in extended conversations and investigations. Teachers support children as they develop theories, test ideas, negotiate conflict, and reconsider and analyze past work. Projects evolve as children are encouraged to revisit their work and look at problems from a new angle or incorporate new ideas. Children deepen their academic and intellectual skills, as well as take a more active role in curating the classroom environment as their project work expands. Teachers continue to encourage children to seek inspiration from their environment, and foster their understanding of themselves as competent, capable individuals through both conversation and documentation.
Enrollment Options
For ages 4–6, we offer 3 or 5 day schedules (and the choice between full or half days). As children reach this stage, their learning becomes more collaborative, sustained, and connected across days. These schedules support deeper engagement in ongoing work, the development of strong relationships, and a growing sense of belonging within the group.
Daily Schedule Elements
Work times become longer as teachers prompt students with questions or observations to remain engaged with tasks for extended periods of time. Time is allotted each day for independent exploration of a variety of print materials, and chapter books become part of the rotation of books read aloud in response to the children’s growing literacy competence. Teachers encourage children to explore a variety of ways to record their thoughts and ideas, utilizing different forms of mark making (writing/drawing) in small group, independent, and project work.