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Introduction to the Early Learning Program

The Early Learning Program is designed to maximize the meaningful discoveries and "lightbulb" moments that occur during the earliest years of a child's education. The program creates a balance between a child's natural tendencies and intentional academic learning, with a key goal of inspiring students to delight in learning.

The Curriculum

The Discovery Blocks of Learning curriculum offers an impressive array of courses that foster early numeracy, literacy, and awareness of the ideas and topics to come in later years. Students learn through developmentally appropriate play, music, and exploratory activities to help make high-level material more accessible. The Discovery Blocks of Learning include:

• Social & Emotional Development and Self-Care Skills
• Language & Literacy
• Math Discovery
• Expressive Arts: Art, Music & Drama
• Mandarin
• Movement & Physical Education
• World Discovery
• STEM Discovery

Toddlers

The Toddler Program (2 year olds) provides a supportive environment that nurtures growing minds and lays the necessary building blocks for physical, social, emotional, and language development. This year sets the foundation for later literacy learning as teachers support oral language development and phonemic awareness. Through STEM, movement, and the arts, students are able to improve their motor skills, develop problem-solving skills, and experience the joy of being creative. Consistent routines and strong relationships with teachers help students feel secure and more confident in the classroom.

• Campuses offered: McLean

Pre-Kindergarten

In PreK-1 (3 year olds) and PreK-2 (4 year olds), a thematic, hands-on, comprehensive, and content-rich curriculum is offered that builds skills in an environment that fosters curiosity and mutual respect between teachers, students, and one another. The focus is on instilling intellectual curiosity as early as possible and challenging students as they are exposed to new concepts and learn how to set and reach goals individually and as a class.

• Campuses offered: Brooklyn, Manhattan, McLean
• Half-Day PreK-2 offered: Bothell

Transitional Kindergarten

In Transitional Kindergarten (TK), a thematic, hands-on, comprehensive, and content-rich curriculum is offered that builds skills in an environment designed for students who are not yet ready for kindergarten but for whom a traditional PreK curriculum wouldn't offer social-emotional and academic advancement. The focus is on instilling intellectual curiosity as early as possible and challenging students as they are exposed to new concepts and learn how to set and reach goals both together and as a class.

• Campuses offered: Fremont, Silicon Valley

Kindergarten

In Kindergarten, the focus is on more formal, foundational learning, with the curriculum facilitating opportunities for children to interact with academic, physical, and social concepts in goal-oriented activities throughout the day. The curriculum helps students develop their literacy and math skills, and gives them opportunities for plenty of movement and exercise, and connects what they know about their environment to new ideas in civics, science, and history. Engineering, Visual & Performing Arts, and Mandarin are also introduced. Students work toward mastering first-grade skills by the end of the year, leaving them with an incredibly strong foundation.

The Teaching Model

The unique two-teacher model designates two teachers in the classroom, each with deep knowledge of effective pedagogical techniques and the expertise to craft engaging lessons. Students have both an Early Learning Teacher and an Early Learning Teaching Fellow with them in their classrooms throughout the year. Subject Expert Teachers may replace Early Learning Teachers for "specials" courses such as Mandarin and PE. These two teachers work together to guide students in making vital connections both inside and outside the classroom, delivering lessons to elicit student engagement and inspire a hunger for learning.

Social-Emotional Growth

While academics are a priority, so is the social-emotional development and support of students. Early Learning Teachers hone in on students' individual needs, ensuring they understand that school is a place that is safe for exploration, taking risks, making mistakes, and facing challenges head-on. This encourages them to be curious, creative, and proactive learners, and to associate the classroom as a place where they can discover and be themselves. Teachers ensure every child feels supported and has their individual needs met as they learn and develop.

Outcomes & Milestones

At the beginning of each year, teachers issue a syllabus that includes an overview of the topics covered in their class. Beyond subject-specific goals centered on academics and social-emotional readiness to progress to the next grade, students in the Early Learning Program will:

1. Feel empowered by their curiosity and willingness to learn
2. Have opportunities to experience victories and milestones, such as fine motor skills, social-emotional and self-help skills, and phonological awareness
3. Broaden their understanding of the classroom environment and learn to make connections to their home and other outside environments
4. Get the best start to their academic journey as well as the means to make a seamless transition into future grade levels