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Group of kindergarten students playing with tiles on carpet
Kindergarten

Kindergarten is an important milestone in a child’s life, filled with academic and social growth. Students are immersed in a classroom that is a safe place for them to learn, grow, and explore. The daily skills that students practice in Kindergarten are the building blocks for their future success both in school and in life.

  • Age
    Children who turn five years old prior to September 1 of the academic year

  • Class size
    Each class has an average of 16 students, with two head teachers in each classroom

  • Curriculum
    International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program

  • Languages
    Spanish, Mandarin, or French

  • Schedule
    Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-3:30 pm

  • Programs
    Early drop-off and extensive after-school activities are available

Literacy Learning

Peek Inside the Classroom

 

On any given day, you may find our Kindergarten students:

  • Developing their early literacy skills through individualized reading programs, word study, writers' workshop, and shared read-alouds
  • Using manipulatives and blocks to create, collaborate, and develop their problem-solving skills
  • Reading and working with their book buddies from grade 5
  • Using their knowledge of simple machines to plan and create things in the "Invention Center"
  • Spending time in the Studio, where they create and learn more about science, technology, art, engineering, and woodworking
  • Taking neighborhood walks to observe and learn more about New York City and compare it to other cities around the world
  • Bringing in their families to share and teach their classmates about the cultures and traditions special and unique to them
  • Visiting museums, nature preserves, and interactive exhibits throughout the city

Explore the Curriculum

Our Kindergarten classrooms balance inquiry­-based, student­-directed time with large­ group, teacher­-directed experiences. Using the PYP Learner Profile as a guide, students learn to become independent thinkers, communicators, and risk­-takers. 

Six­-week PYP units of inquiry offer in-depth exploration of science­ or social studies­-based themes. Daily activities include Morning Meeting, small group work, discussion, problem-solving, language study in Spanish, French, or Mandarin, open exploration, P.E., and outdoor playtime. Math, English Language Arts (ELA), science, and social studies are woven seamlessly into the daily schedule. Weekly specials include music, library, studio (STEAM), and physical education classes that are conducted everyday.

Curriculum Guide

What’s Next?

During the school year, Kindergarten students have several opportunities to explore Dwight’s CPW Campus at 89th Street and Central Park West, such as visiting their fifth grade reading buddies, learning about fossils from a high school biology class, or attending a community meeting. When the time comes to move up to first grade, our students are prepared and excited about their transition.