Kindergarten is the third and culminating year of our Primary Program. This is a transformative year where students solidify and expand the foundational skills they developed during the first two Primary years. We complement our traditional Montessori methods with a modern, research-based curriculum designed to enhance learning in Math, English Language Arts, and STEAM, exceeding state standard requirements. 

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Research shows that children who engage in a discovery-based approach to learning develop stronger critical thinking skills and a deeper love of learning—a core guiding principle of our school.

 

Language Arts: Children build their phonics and literacy skills using Montessori materials and the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) program. The CKLA program supports literacy development with evidence-based practices and is aligned with the Common Core State Standards. The CKLA curriculum extends and supports our Montessori morning work cycles by reinforcing reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. Language instruction is integrated across the curriculum through studies in Geography, History, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Art, and Music, supporting academic growth, cultural awareness, and global citizenship. These areas of study are extensions of language development, enabling our children to learn about diverse cultures and historical contexts while developing their global citizenship consciousness.

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Math: Our Kindergartners build strong mathematical foundations using hand-on Montessori math materials. To deepen their understanding, we supplement Montessori Math with the highly-regarded Singapore Math curriculum. The Singapore Math program nicely builds on the concrete foundation all our students have developed using the Montessori materials. Like Montessori Math, Singapore Math teaches mathematical concepts in three steps: concrete, pictorial, and abstract, allowing students to visualize and apply mathematical concepts with confidence. Singapore Math also places a strong emphasis on word problems, so students learn which computation to use based on the specific situation. Differentiated instruction, ability grouping, and personalized work plans ensure that each child advances at their own pace, based on their abilities and mastery level.

 

STEAM: As the only National Institute for STEM Education-certified school in New Jersey, we offer a unique weekly STEAM class led by certified instructors. Science concepts are already woven into the Cultural Studies curriculum for the Primary Program, however, our Kindergarteners attend a weekly STEAM class to explore topics like the scientific method, engineering basics, and key scientific phenomena through hands-on, inquiry-based learning that lays the foundation for our rich STEAM curriculum from Elementary through Middle School. 

 

Spanish: Each week, students meet with our school's native-speaking Spanish teacher, a specialist in Spanish language instruction. Children learn Spanish in an immersion-style setting, enriched by music, movement, games, and arts and crafts. With the help of songs and chants, children recall new vocabulary and proper pronunciation. They will learn greetings, count numbers, identify shapes and colors, and learn everyday words while also exploring the diverse cultures of Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

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Art: Every week, children explore various artists and art forms, learning about a different artist, medium, or technique. They learn about the lives and creative styles of artists like Kandinsky, Haring, Kahlo, Matisse, Picasso, O’Keeffe, Dali, and Van Gogh. Through hands-on projects, students experiment with a variety of techniques and media, developing their own creativity while refining their fine motor skills and expanding their artistic vocabulary. ​

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Music Fundamentals and Piano Keyboard: Kindergarteners have two music classes a week—an introduction to music theory, artists, instruments, and composition, included in the Primary Program—and a dedicated piano keyboard class, specifically designed for this age group. Their year-long piano instruction culminates with a group recital during the Kindergarten Graduation ceremony. Students learn the basics of music theory, note recognition, finger placement, and practice habits. 

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Library and Literacy Enrichment: Kindergartners enjoy weekly visits to the school library for stories, independent exploration, and engaging activities led by our librarian. Students enjoy a curated mix of fiction and nonfiction books and collaborate with older student mentors using reading buddy programs. They engage in meaningful activities, such as storytelling, creative drama, and reader's theater. The library experience fosters a lifelong love of books and provides essential resources for class projects and personal growth.

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Physical Education: All three years of the Primary Program, including the third year for Kindergarten, our Physical Education instructor meets with students every week to support the development of the whole child, promoting physical health, coordination, and social-emotional growth through purposeful movement and play. Each class begins with gentle warm-ups and stretching, helping children develop body awareness and flexibility. Students then participate in engaging, age-appropriate activities designed to develop key motor skills, including foot-eye-hand coordination, balance, and controlled movement. Children are introduced to the fundamental concepts of teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship through guided games and group challenges for essential lessons that extend beyond physical activity.