Pre-K Academics

The Stanwich School's Pre-K Cottage program is distinct because it seeks to develop the mind, body and spirit of the child. Stanwich's program is committed to helping each child begin the lifelong journey of spiritual, emotional and cognitive development. Pre-K Cottage is an integral part of the main school, and provides a safe and stimulating environment where four- and five-year-olds can begin to explore the world around them. Opened in 2006, the program offers a robust introduction to the areas of knowledge which will be taught more formally at school; and the first peer relationships which will take them through their early school years.

Curriculum

While students are given ample time to play and discover, the Cottage's curriculum is specifically designed to start the children on an advanced academic plan. Also, an emphasis is placed on each child's sense of responsibility and independence. In the specific academic areas, foundations are established for learning:

Language and Literacy

Verbal Expression: sharing in a group, retelling stories, dramatic play; Literature Units: nursery rhymes, fairy tales, author studies; Reading Readiness: rhyming, phonemic awareness, sequencing, letter recognition, sight words.

Mathematics

Activity Centered: exploration of materials and manipulatives, development of concepts, problem solving; Math Skills: patterning, sorting, graphing, counting, working with similar sets, number recognition, number stories.

Special Activities

From language to physical education, students enjoy a wide range of special activities on a routine basis.

The French Connection

French instruction is a unique feature of the Pre-K curriculum. Through song and traditional classroom learning, children are exposed to the French language.

In-House "Field Trips"

The Stanwich School provides its students the opportunity to explore a wide range of programs from the safety of home. Throughout the school year, students are treated to visits from various institutions to enrich the curriculum, such as a visit from the Beardsley Zoomobile.

The Arts, Athletics and the Library

On a weekly basis, Stanwich School faculty visit the Cottage to instill a love of art, physical education and reading in the students.