The timeless adage, “Everything I needed to know, I learned in Kindergarten,” holds more truth today than ever before. As education trends shift toward earlier academic rigor, Kindergarten remains a cornerstone of whole-child development, blending foundational academics, social-emotional learning, and joyful discovery. At The Summit Preparatory School, our progressive Kindergarten program sets the stage for lifelong learning by fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in an engaging, student-centered environment.
Academic Foundations: Literacy & Numeracy in Kindergarten
A strong foundation in early literacy prepares children for a lifetime of reading and writing. Through phonological awareness activities—including rhyming, syllable segmentation, and initial sound recognition—students build essential decoding skills. Storytelling, hands-on literacy activities, and exposure to diverse texts further enhance their reading comprehension and love for language.
Similarly, early numeracy skills are cultivated through hands-on exploration of counting, number recognition, patterns, and basic operations. Mathematics at The Summit is introduced through engaging, real-world problem-solving, games, and interactive learning tools, empowering young learners to see themselves as confident problem-solvers.
Integrated Learning: Thematic & Project-Based Approaches
Kindergarten at The Summit embraces a thematic, project-based learning approach, seamlessly integrating subjects to create meaningful, real-world connections. Through interdisciplinary projects, students explore concepts such as:
- The life cycle of insects
- Community helpers and rural communities
- Force and motion in everyday life
- Urban planning through designing their own city
Mrs. Marissa Bradley, Lower School Director, highlights the impact of this hands-on approach:
“When students have the chance to dive deep into meaningful and authentic learning, they are able to make natural connections across subjects. Instead of learning about food groups
and rural communities in isolated lessons, for example, our Kindergarten students visit a local farm to experience the sights and sounds firsthand. They pick, wash, and taste fresh produce—then return to the classroom excited to apply their learning in a Farm-to-Table project that incorporates reading, writing, science, social studies, and even math through recipe work.”
This inquiry-driven, experiential learning fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, laying the groundwork for future academic success.
Social-Emotional Learning & Whole-Child Development
At The Summit, education extends beyond academics. Our Kindergarten curriculum prioritizes social-emotional learning (SEL), helping children develop essential life skills, including:
- Emotional regulation and resilience
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving
- Empathy and meaningful relationship
Through read-alouds, role-playing, and class discussions, students build confidence and learn to express themselves in healthy, constructive ways. Our educators support cognitive, emotional, and physical development, ensuring each child feels secure, empowered, and eager to learn.
The Power of Play in Kindergarten
Play is a vital part of early childhood education, providing opportunities for exploration, creativity, and skill development in a joyful, low-pressure environment. Play remains a cornerstone of The Summit’s Kindergarten experience, reinforcing problem-solving, motor skills, and imaginative thinking in a developmentally appropriate way through activities like:
- Building with blocks (spatial reasoning & engineering concepts)
- Dramatic play (language development & storytelling)
- Guided games (social skills & strategic thinking)
Ms. Taylor Cederoth, Summit Kindergarten Faculty, shares, “Summit Kindergartners not only learn academic skills but also focus on understanding, expressing, and managing their emotions. They develop positive relationships and learn to make responsible decisions. Social and Emotional Learning serves as the foundation for success in both school and life, laying the groundwork for all aspects of a child’s development.”
Specialty Programs: Enriching the Kindergarten Experience
Beyond core academics, Summit Kindergarteners participate in a diverse range of specialty programs, including:
- Spanish – Early exposure to a second language enhances cognitive flexibility and cultural awareness.
- STEM – Engaging young learners in engineering, design challenges, and basic scientific inquiry builds curiosity and problem-solving skills.
- Art & Music – Fostering creative expression and fine motor development.
- Physical Education & Yoga – Encouraging movement, coordination, and mindfulness.
- Outdoor Education – Providing hands-on environmental learning through gardening, nature exploration, and seasonal observations.
These experiences expand students’ horizons, nurturing both academic and personal growth.
The Kindergarten Experience at The Summit: A Strong Foundation for Future Success
Kindergarten is a transformative year, where children take their first steps into formal education while developing a love of learning that will last a lifetime. With a curriculum that balances academic rigor, social-emotional growth, hands-on discovery, and play, The Summit provides a progressive, well-rounded Kindergarten experience that nurtures confident, curious, and capable learners.
At The Summit, we know that some of life’s most important lessons begin in Kindergarten—where the joy of discovery meets the power of foundational learning.
