Junior Kindergarten
S
ince 1999, St. Gabriel’s Catholic School has provided a dedicated class for young learners in the form of Pre-Kindergarten half-day programs. Beginning in the Fall of 2012, the Pre-Kindergarten will become a Junior Kindergarten program. This new model will maintain the developmental emphasis appropriate for children ages 4-6 while incorporating academic opportunities beyond a standard Pre-Kindergarten program. What is Junior Kindergarten?
“We
see more children that are ready for tailored, academic enrichment not typically offered in Pre-Kindergarten programs, and we meet more parents in need of a full-time program for their child,” says Director of Admissions, Erin Guerra. “Changing to a Junior Kindergarten allows us to do what we do best, which is meet children at their individual level s and nurture their growth.” St. Gabriel’s Junior Kindergarten students will have access to a beautiful 33-acre campus, with a 66,000 square-foot facility housing a chapel, full gymnasium, library, art studio, computer lab and dedicated classrooms. How is the Junior Kindergarten structured? Specialist teachers in Spanish, music, physical education, library, art and guidance will meet with the students one to four times per week for focused lessons. Four grade-level teachers, each with a curricular expertise in language arts, mathematics, science and art, will lead the children “around the world in 180 days.” Through ample resources and materials, as well as current technologies, our teachers guide children to actively engage and creatively explore the world around them and beyond - all at a pace determined by the child’s readiness. ” says Rebecca Hammel, Head of Lower School. “We welcome our new families into a caring environment that very carefully nurtures each child’s development academically, physically, emotionally and spiritually.” Extended day programming is also offered, during which students engage in enrichment and extension activities connected to the core objectives of the defined Junior Kindergarten schedule. The full
6
FALL 2012
School Choice
Individualized Learning for Preschoolers day allows for student-driven inquiry and deeper exploration of the monthly themes that comprise the year-long curriculum plan. Hammel says, “The faculty and I are thrilled to host this premier program. We look forward to partnering with parents on these most important years that lay the foundation for a successful school experience.”