Multi-Age kinder Class
Pre-kinder
Our Pre-Kinder Class is part of the Multi-Age Kinder Classroom offering Outdoor Immersion that promotes the healthy development of young children in a nurturing, gentle, and imaginative environment. Our program preserves the magic of childhood through a head, heart, and hands approach to learning in nature. Building a strong foundation in an unhurried and home-like setting, our mornings include free play, singing and fingerplays, seasonal stories, and daily activities that nurture the senses. Play and Movement are backed by research and provide the strongest outcomes for later academics. Children develop at their own pace in our screen free and hands on classroom, joining the Kinder Class in the activity of the day, painting, soup making, gardening and more. Join us in the nourishing outdoors and in the cozy yurt to learn and play together! Must be age 3.5 and potty trained by September 1st. M/W or M/T/W mornings 9 am - 11:50 am. Growing Together Class can be added on Thursday mornings for no extra charge.
Kinder 1
Perfect for Young Kindergartners with summer birthdays, our nurturing environment allow children to grow and learn at their own pace. Our days together include a nurturing home-like atmosphere in our cozy yurt classroom and outdoor classroom, consistent teachers, small class size of 8 - 12 students, daily outdoor time using a Forest School philosophy, a language rich environment through oral storytelling and puppetry, music and singing, arts and practical life activities (baking and making soup, woodworking, washing and gardening) M - W 9 am - 12:30 pm or 9 am - 3 pm. Add Growing Together Class on Thursday mornings for a reduced rate.
More info on our Curriculum Page
Kinder 2
Modeled after Scandinavian Kindergartens and Waldorf Kindergartens world-wide, older Kinders age 6 or turning 6 over the school year are provided time and continuity for growth alongside their younger peers. We provide an environment that is protective, predictable, and secure as your child develops. Our goal is to develop the whole child; the physical, social, emotional and creative skills that support later success in life and school. This child-centered approach matches current research on how Kindergarten children grow and develop. We offer a haven from the hustle and bustle of the world and a no screens approach to learning. As children reach age 6 they are given additional opportunities to become leaders in the classroom, and for more complicated handwork, drawing and stories, circle games and time with older peers as we combine with 1st and 2nd graders for afternoon enrichment. In addition, children may add Thursday Enrichment Class for ages 6 - 12 years. M - W 9 am - 12:30 pm or 9 am - 3 pm with the option to add Thursdays.
*We have high behavior expectations in our developmentally appropriate Multi-age Kinder Class. We are experienced and nurturing early childhood teachers with a variety of educational backgrounds and experience. Apple Blossom teachers also have training in Waldorf philosophy and curriculum. We know children are still learning and we have developmentally appropriate expectations. Our staff have been through Peacemakers Resources SEL modeling and training and we provide many opportunities to learn skills throughout our play filled days. Due to our unique set up with yurts as classrooms and outdoor play yard, and no Special Education staff onsite, we can accommodate a variety of learning styles, but we are not equipped to accommodate high behavior needs. Children must be able to be safe with their bodies, appropriate with their language, and listen to teacher directions in order to attend.