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Pre-Kindergarten

Our Pre-Kindergarten program (for four- and five-year-olds) focuses on each child as an individual who is accepted and valued, while encouraging their development in small- and large-group learning activities.

Families choose ACDS’s Pre-K program so their students can take advantage of our play-responsive program and access the wide-ranging enrichments and opportunities that a Pre-Kindergarten - 8th grade school community offers. 

Our Reggio Emilia-inspired environments earned an "Exceptional" rating from the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS).

Big Buddies

Pairing younger students with older ones as role models

Library

Weekly visits for reading and fun with our staff librarian

Theater Arts

Attend elementary and middle school performances

Outdoor Spaces

Access to outdoor spaces like our edible garden

Transition Support

In the move from Pre-K to Kindergarten for students and parents

Our Pre-K program is for children turning 4 or 5 by December 31.

Program Options:

Monday through Friday
5 Half Days
Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
3 Half Days & 2 Full Days
Mon, Weds, Fri, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. & Tues, Thurs, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
3 Full Days & 2 Half Days
Mon, Weds, Fri, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. & Tues, Thurs, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
5 Full Day Days
Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

View sample Pre-K half-day and full-day schedules below.

Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum

The curriculum for this multi-age program is developmental, play-responsive, child-centered, and Reggio Emilia-inspired. Our highly experienced teachers present and scaffold academic concepts and skills sequentially to support progress at each child’s individual pace. The overall goal of the one- or two-year Pre-Kindergarten experience is to develop the whole child, with an emphasis on social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth in preparation for Kindergarten.

In other words, our students get to experience the joy and wonder of childhood while learning valuable skills at their own pace to get them ready for life beyond Pre-Kindergarten.

Our early childhood education (ECE) teachers are specialists in the field who guide the students using a hands-on multi-sensory approach -- we hear, we see, we say, we do. Children’s play is their work. By building letters with clay, counting plates and napkins for snack, singing songs about friendship and community, building indoor and outdoor structures with various materials, exploring nature, and more, students are actively engaged in learning through play. They share and work with peers, developing interpersonal skills such as negotiation, compromise, and confidence through a variety of engaging, stimulating, and fun classroom experiences.

Building A Strong Foundation for Kindergarten

Additionally, our Pre-K experience provides a strong foundation for future academic and social growth, introducing children to the stimulating, positive learning environment at ACDS with a focus on social emotional development in preparation for Kindergarten and beyond.

Kindergarten Readiness

To learn more about our Pre-Kindergarten program, please contact ACDS Admissions or complete an inquiry form.

Apple Tree

Extended Care Programs

We offer complimentary supervised before-school care for children enrolled in grades Kindergarten through 8th Grade. ACDS also offers a fee-based after-school program, The Apple Tree, staffed by teachers for Pre-Kindergarten students.

Learn More