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.
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Age: Children who turn five years old prior to September 1 of the academic year
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Class size: Each class has an average of 16 students, with two head teachers in each classroom
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Curriculum: International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program
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Languages: Spanish, Mandarin, or French
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Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-3:30 pm
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Programs: Early drop-off and extensive after-school activities are available
Literacy Learning
Peek Inside the Classroom
On any day, you might 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 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.
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.
To review the kindergarten acceptance list for the last two years, please click below.