A Day in the Life of a Preschooler

The schedules in our Junior Pre-Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten classrooms vary from week to week, but could include any combination of the following options:

A Sample Preschool Day

8:45-9:00: Morning Meeting (greetings, community building, concept lessons, sharing time)
 
9:00-10:00: Choice Time (literacy and reading activities, listening, dramatic play and storytelling, cooperative building, science experiences, sensory exploration, open-ended art projects)
 
10:00-10:30: Special Classes in Half Groups (Music, Creative Movement, P.E., Library) and Snack, Small Group work which includes math, writing, and reading lessons
 
10:30-11:00: Small Group and One-on-One work with a teacher, On-Campus Field Trip, Visitors/Presenters in Classroom
 
11:00-11:30: Outdoor Play (group game play, climbing, riding, time in the garden, cooperative play in the mud kitchen, activities that support vestibular processing as well as proprioceptive play)
 
11:30-12:00 Lunch in the Classroom
 
12:00-12:30 Rest/Quiet Time
 
12:30-1:00: Story Time (author studies, genre studies, acting out stories, rhyming and recall activities, vocabulary building, listening skills)
 
1:00-2:00: World Languages (French & Spanish), Sharing Times, Science Studies
 
2:00-2:30: Closing Circle, In-Class Guest Readers and Visitors

Kent Place Encouraged Our Daughter to be the Very Best Version of Herself.

The curriculum isn’t “one size fits all,” so when my daughter mastered a particular task, her teachers would push her to go a little further. And when it was clear she was ready to read, the teachers began a guided reading group for her and several other children. My daughter’s focus and ability to work independently have made her transition to Primary School incredibly smooth — and I credit that to her amazing Preschool teachers. -Tara Zinna, parent
42 Norwood Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901   |   (908) 273-0900
Kent Place School is an all-girls K through 12 independent college preparatory day school with a coeducational Preschool, located in Summit, NJ.

  • TEST WHAT'S "EXPECTED."

    That's our mantra in robotics. Try crazy things, be free with your ideas, and see what happens. If you're going to build the future, you'll need to be a pioneer. –Emma, seventh grade

  • LEAN INTO DIFFICULTY.

    When it comes to academics, it pays to challenge yourself. I'm in the Bioethics Symposium, presenting research on the ethics of genetically-enhanced intelligence. At times it's daunting—research, deadlines, time management—but it's also a whole new way of thinking. Very independent and "you-driven." –Isabella, sophomore

  • OWN YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE

    It's one of the "conversation norms" we have at Kent Place, and it's always resonated with me. Everyone has a different and equally valid perspective to bring to the table—so put yourself out there. –Mary, senior

  • DON’T THINK YOU’RE GOING TO GET A LABEL.

    There are no jocks here at Kent Place, no science geeks, no theater nerds. Last month a varsity athlete went to sing at the Vatican. Everyone here has some unique quality — and they’re amazing at what they do. –Claire, senior

  • MATH COMES FROM YOU

    When you've computed something for yourself, the story is different. The girls here feel like the math is coming from them, rather than from a textbook. You won't hear a Kent Place girl ask, "What answer are they looking for?" The girls are looking for their own answers, and they're on their own path. –Dr. Ralph Pantozzi, Math Teacher

  • GET READY FOR RIGOROUS WORK.

    And multiple extracurricular activities. Busy days, and a few late nights. But through it all, don’t lose your sense of fun. –Alessandra, junior

  • MAKE CONNECTIONS.

    KPS alumnae are amazing. I met one alumna after a math and science panel who works in retail architecture. That made me think about a cool way to combine two of my interests — math and fashion. –Amber, junior

  • YOUR TIME AT KPS IS GOING TO OPEN UP OPTIONS YOU HADN'T EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT.

    And when it's time to choose, you're going to know yourself so well, you'll pick the college that's the best fit for you—academically, socially, personally. So don't get tunnel vision. This is your process. Just know that you'll be ready! –Jennifer Simpson, Director of College Advising

  • SOLVING PROBLEMS IS A JOURNEY, ENJOY THE RIDE!

    In the Middle School we do a Science Expo—either two or four people work on a science project for a couple of months and then present it to the entire class. We go into some in-depth projects and it’s incredible what we learn along the way, and how willing our teachers are to help us through the tough parts. –Toni Ann, eighth grade

  • SPEAK YOUR MIND.

    Every girl here learns from an early age how to speak up and speak to adults. You never feel silly raising your hand, and you’re given lots of opportunities to speak publicly. I’m never shy about saying what’s on my mind. –Vittoria, fourth grade

  • ETHICS WILL CHANGE YOUR ENTIRE OUTLOOK.

    Right away, we tackled questions of "right versus right." We're learning to look at every issue from both sides, which helps with everything from homework to friendships. –Elizabeth, eighth grade