Kindergarten | Dwight School New York

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 in school and in life.

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

Class size
Each class has an average of 18 students, with two head teachers

Curriculum
First year of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program

Languages
Spanish and Mandarin, additional languages available for a fee in after-school programs

Schedule
Monday through Friday, 8:30 am–2:30 pm

Programs
Early drop-off, extended day, and a wide range of after-school programs are available

Peek Inside the Classroom

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

Developing their knowledge of letter sounds and phonics through songs, shared reading, and hands-on activities
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 inventions in the "Invention Center"
Spending time in the Studio, where they create and learn more about science, technology, art, and engineering
Taking neighborhood walks to observe and learn more about New York City and comparing 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

Explore the Curriculum

Our kindergarten classrooms balance inquiry-based, student-directed time with large group, teacher-directed experiences. Using the PYP Learner Profile and PYP Attitudes as a guide, students learn to become independent thinkers, communicators, and risk-takers. Six-week Units of Inquiry allow students and teachers to explore science or social studies-based themes in depth. Daily activities include Morning Meeting, small group work, discussion, problem solving, open exploration, P.E., and outside play in nearby Riverside Park. Math, English Language Arts (ELA), science, and social studies are woven seamlessly into the daily schedule, providing students with an authentic learning experience. Weekly specials include music, library, and studio (art and science) in addition to language study in both Spanish and Mandarin.

Curriculum Guide

What’s Next?

During the school year, kindergarten students have several opportunities to explore Dwight’s Main Campus at 89th Street and Central Park West, whether they are visiting their third grade reading buddies, listening to a high school biology teacher talk about fossils, or attending a community meeting or assembly. When the time comes to move up to first grade, our students are prepared and excited about their transition to “Big Dwight.”

Meet Our Faculty Specialists!

Watch Dwight's Kindergarten on The Today Show!

Kindergarten Programs & Curriculum