Preschool & Kindergarten Education

Early Childhood Education

• An emergent, project-based curriculum. The classroom experiences are play-based and child-centered,
• Emphasis on social and emotional development.
• Seasonal nature studies guide interactive and exploratory learning with an ever-changing nature table, themed story times, gardening, and abundant play in the mud kitchen and outdoor classroom.
• The Kindergarten class begins honing their pre-skill building with Wilson Foundations, Learning Without Tears, and Bridges Mathematics. Quaker testimonies are woven into responsive classroom experiences.

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UFS Playgroup

UFS Playgroup is a 3-day part-time progressive preschool program (M/W/F 9:00 am—12:00 pm) starting in January 2025. Our program provides a nurturing and creative environment dedicated to building social and emotional development skills. We believe in promoting curiosity, empathy, and the joy of learning through a holistic, play-based approach. Children are encouraged to explore their interests through play, structured activities, and hands-on learning experiences. Join us in creating a foundation for your child’s future success!

Preschool

The children start their day with morning exploratory play in the classroom, experimenting with all the different materials and toys; the solid wood loft, drama area, and a separate playground are unique to the Mott classroom experience. Every morning starts with Morning Meeting, where students gather in a circle and practice stillness. “Morning Meeting” is followed by an academic special such as Spanish, Music, Cooking, Library, or Physical Education. Exploratory play woven throughout the program fosters an environment in which children begin to understand critical thinking and problem-solving.

The preschool program is a 5-day program with full-day or half-day options. Students in half-day leave after lunch (8:15 am – 1:00 pm). Tuition is charged based on either full-day or half-day. Payments may be made over a 10-month period or as one payment. Flexible Tuition is available.

See Project Based Learning in Action

Kindergarten

Kindergarten students graduate to the same schedule as their Elementary schoolmates: from 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., five days per week.

The full-day Kindergarten program helps our students transition from Preschool to Elementary School, which begins in First Grade. Students experience greater choice as they advance their reading, writing, math, science, Spanish art, music, athletic, library, and technology skills through hands-on, center-based learning. We keep our kindergarteners as active as possible even as they learn how to increase their capacity to focus on tasks and lessons for longer periods of time. We share our pride in graduating from preschool and starting their school experience among the big kids.