Early Childhood (Preschool and Kindergarten)
Introduction to our Early Childhood Program
Our Early Childhood Program offers a unique, bilingual, play-based, and project-oriented approach that immerses children in both German and English from their first day with us. No prior knowledge of German is required to join our Early Childhood Program. We embrace children’s natural curiosity and creativity, providing opportunities for hands-on exploration, discovery, and social-emotional growth within a supportive, multilingual environment.
By balancing free play with guided activities, we foster a lifelong love of learning and support the holistic development of each child. Through thematic projects inspired by the seasons, diverse cultural events, and the children's interests, we integrate multiple disciplines—such as art, science, math, and language—allowing for rich, interconnected learning experiences. Our experienced, bilingual educators use techniques like dialogic reading, role-playing, and collaborative games to cultivate foundational language skills in both German and English, setting students up for both academic and social success. Our aim is to instill confidence, curiosity, and the joy of learning in our youngest learners.
Daily Rhythm
In our Early Childhood Program, the school day runs from 8:30 AM to 2:15 PM. Drop-off begins when school opens at 8:00 AM each day. Students have a daily Morgenkreis (morning circle), play-based learning time, project-based learning time, outdoor exploration time, lunch, and snack. Preschool students nap in the afternoon after lunch; Kindergarten students do not. Optional Extended Day until 4:30 PM or 6:00 PM is available at an additional cost. Kindergarten students participate in the Extended Day program with our elementary school students, while preschool students join the Suns classroom for extended learning.
Early Childhood Program Highlights
Balanced Play
A thoughtful blend of free and guided play supports cognitive, social, and language development in a joyful and engaging way.
Bilingual Immersion
Our Early Childhood Program immerses children in both German and English from day one, with native-speaking teachers providing authentic, high-quality language modeling.
Bilingual Library Access
Students and parents can borrow bilingual books to continue language exploration at home, fostering a love of reading and learning.
Individualized Language Support
We cater to children from diverse linguistic backgrounds, with personalized language development that ensures every child feels confident and supported.
Language-Rich Environment
Weekly library visits, music classes, and activities in our tumbling room provide a foundation for literacy, language, and communicative growth.
Outdoor and Nature-Based Activities
Extended outdoor play and nature-focused activities keep children connected to the world around them, supporting physical and emotional well-being.
Play-Based Learning
Creativity and exploration thrive through our play-based approach, blending spontaneous and structured play that fosters language, social skills, and curiosity.
Rhythm
Each day begins with a circle time of songs and stories, followed by free play, creative arts, small group work, and outdoor exploration.
Social-Emotional Learning
Building empathy, collaboration, and self-regulation is at the heart of our program, helping children learn to identify and manage their emotions.
Structured Daily Curriculum
Seasonal and interest-based projects combine art, science, math, and languages, offering a multidimensional learning experience.
Special Field Trips and Experiences
Preschool students engage in interactive, on-campus experiences tailored to their developmental stages, fostering curiosity and discovery in a safe and familiar setting. Kindergarteners take their first steps into the community through thoughtfully designed field trips that build confidence and independence. From navigating public transportation to exploring nature and visiting places like museums, fire stations, and local businesses, these adventures connect classroom learning to the real world, broadening their horizons and nurturing a love for discovery.
Kindergarten Enrollment Policy
To ensure that children are set up for success in their educational journey, we generally require that children entering Kindergarten be five years old on or before September 30 of the year they start school. In select cases, children born after September 30 may be considered for early enrollment in Kindergarten. This decision is made on a case-by-case basis, based on a careful assessment by our Preschool and Kindergarten teams of the child’s readiness. If a child qualifies, families will be notified during spring parent-teacher conferences to discuss the option. Please note that families cannot initiate this process; the school will contact you if early Kindergarten enrollment is a possibility.
Delaying Kindergarten Enrollment
We understand some families may prefer an additional year in Preschool for their child. If you are considering this option, please reach out to our admissions team to coordinate with our preschool faculty. We value our partnership with each family and encourage you to proceed with re-enrollment even if we are still working together on placement decisions for the coming school year. We will reserve a place for your child while placement details are finalized.