A thoughtful extra year before kindergarten.
Our Senior North class for older 4s and young 5s can serve as a Pre-K / Transitional Kindergarten year, giving families the time, support, and feedback to make the right placement decision with confidence.
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Not sure if kindergarten is the right next step?
You’re not alone in wondering
For many families—especially those with children who have late spring, summer, or early fall birthdays—this decision isn’t always clear. You may be asking yourself:
- Is my child truly ready for the expectations of kindergarten?
- Would another year help them feel more confident socially, academically, and emotionally?
- Will they feel overwhelmed – or thrive – if I push them ahead?
- Am I making the right decision by sending them now or waiting?
These are thoughtful, common questions—and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
Who Is This Program For?
A great fit for families considering an extra year.
Late birthdays
Children turning 5 between late spring and early fall whose families are considering an extra year.
Considering redshirting
Parents who want a meaningful, structured year – not simply more time at home.
A strong foundation
Building skills now to reduce the likelihood of struggling or being held back later on.
Bright but still growing
Children who are bright but may benefit from more time socially or emotionally
Looking for a bridge year
Families who want a true bridge year between Pre-K and Kindergarten – structured, purposeful, and loving.
No residency requirement
All families are welcome – no town boundaries.
For children who miss the district cutoff but show readiness, the same class can also serve as an accelerated pathway – more on this below.
Why families choose an extra year
Setting children up to move forward with confidence.
- Greater confidence in social situations
- Stronger independence and self-help skills
- Improved focus and comfort for structured learning
- Deeper peer relationships
- A smoother, more successful transition to kindergarten
The gift of time — without the pressure
You don’t need to decide everything in advance.
One of the most valuable aspects of this program is flexibility. Families do not need to commit a full year ahead of time to whether their child will move on to kindergarten or first grade.
Instead, you can:
- Watch your child’s growth over time
- Receive ongoing feedback from teachers
- Make a confident, informed decision as the year unfolds
Two Possible Paths After This Year
As children develop throughout the year, families can choose the path that best fits their child:
- Move on to kindergarten with greater ease and readiness
- Move directly to first grade (for children who are ready)
A Balanced, Engaging Day
Academics, creativity, and meaningful play.
Children learn through a mix of structured learning and hands-on exploration. Throughout the day, students experience:
- Whole and small group instruction in literacy and math
- Hands-on science and STEM
- Social studies, art, and thematic learning
- Fine arts with a Spring Art Show
- Spanish and music classes
- Outdoor play and movement breaks
- Imaginative play and exploration
- A free art station with materials that change weekly
Learning is reinforced through engaging thematic units, including community helpers, environmental conservation, local history, and cultural diversity.
See how this looks in a real classroom
A Literacy Foundation that Sets Us Apart
Wilson Fundations® in Pre-K.
One of the ways our Transitional Kindergarten program stands apart is our use of Wilson Fundations, a multisensory early literacy program that introduces:
- Letter formation
- Letter-sound connections
- Early sight words
- Pre-writing and handwriting skills
Through engaging, hands-on activities, children build a strong foundation for reading and writing in a way that is both developmentally appropriate and fun.
Three Teachers in Every Classroom
An exceptional teacher-to-student ratio.
While larger programs may have one teacher and one assistant, our classrooms are supported by three professional team teachers per class. This allows for:
- Small group learning
- Individual attention
- One-on-one support
- Strong, lasting relationships
Flexible Scheduling that Works for Families
A day shaped around your family.
Our core Pre-K program runs 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM with options for before and after care.
Our Full Plus Program offers schedule flexibility from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM, including afternoon enrichment and our outstanding summer camp with swim lessons.
Afternoon Enrichment Clubs
Each day offers something different:
- Book Crew – building a love of reading through stories and activities
- Yoga – movement, strengthening, and mindfulness
- Wiz Kidz – hands-on science experiments
- Performing Arts – music, dance, and improvisation
- Kids Café – cooking and creating, trying new foods
Optional add-ons include Tennis, Gymnastics and Super Sports. Even families not enrolled in the full extended program can choose to stay for clubs, with flexible hourly pricing. Because clubs begin right at dismissal, it’s an easy, seamless way to extend the day when needed.
Meeting Each Child Where They Are
Every child’s path is different.
Whether your child needs more time, more confidence, or a more gradual transition, we support their starting point and guide their development throughout the year.
For Some Families: An Accelerated Pathway
While many families choose this program to give their child additional time before kindergarten, there are situations where a child may be ready to move ahead academically. For children who miss the kindergarten cutoff but demonstrate strong academic, social, and emotional readiness, this class can also serve as a pathway forward. In these cases, children may:
- Complete this year as a kindergarten-equivalent experience
- Move on to first grade the following year (when approved by their local school district)
Because policies vary by town, we encourage families to speak with their district in advance to understand their specific guidelines and approval process.
Limited Openings Available
Let’s Talk About What’s Right for Your Child
Deciding whether to move forward with kindergarten or take an extra year is a big decision.
We’re here to help you think it through, answer your questions, and explore whether this program is the right fit for your child.
