Early Childhood: Pre-K, Kindergarten, T1
Early Childhood students learn academics in a play-based environment, with much of their instruction taking place in theme-based centers. Through collaboration and purposeful play, students construct meaning during rich, high-interest explorations and thoughtfully integrated lessons. Classrooms are filled with engaging, hands-on activities that spark curiosity and sustain learning, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of discovery.
Students begin each day with whole-group instruction in their classroom “wells” before transitioning to a variety of centers that provide time to explore, practice, and collaborate through purposeful play. In homeroom, students receive instruction in literacy, mathematics, social-emotional learning, and social studies. Foundational literacy skills, including phonics, rhyming, and letter identification, are introduced in Pre-K to prepare students to begin reading in Kindergarten. Lamplighter uses Handwriting Without Tears, a research-based handwriting curriculum that begins in Pre-K 3. Mathematics instruction follows the Eureka Math Squared curriculum, aligning with Lamplighter’s mission to foster joy, curiosity, creativity, and discovery.
Beyond literacy and math, the day includes Show & Tell, Barn time, free choice, recess, lunch, and daily read-alouds. Students also attend a variety of Special Area Classes (SATs) led by trained faculty, including art, music, drama, environmental science, media center, science and gardens, woodworking, physical education, and Spanish.
Early Childhood Grade Levels
All Early Childhood classrooms have two full-time teachers.
Pre-K
The Pre-K program offers both half-day and full-day options. The primary academic program is the same for both full-day and half-day students, and all Pre-K classrooms have two full-time teachers.
Morning Pre-K (AM class)
8:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Mixed age - 3s/4s
Afternoon Pre-K (PM class)
12:15 - 3:15 p.m.
Mixed age - 3s/4s
Full Day Pre-K
8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Classrooms of 3s or 4s
One of the signature programs in Pre-K is the annual Farmer's Market where students harvest vegetables and make crafts to sell to students and teachers, an experience that blends science, math, art, and entrepreneurship.
Kindergarten
Lamplighter’s Early Childhood program includes four full-day Kindergarten classes, each led by a head teacher and supported by an associate teacher. In addition to strengthening literacy and math skills, Kindergarten students participate in meaningful traditions unique to their grade level.
Each year, classrooms transform into an ice cream shop, providing a hands-on opportunity to practice math concepts such as counting, number sense, and money.
Kindergarteners also take part in Lamplighter’s oldest tradition—square dancing. This months-long unit, part of the Physical Education curriculum, supports the development of mathematical thinking, auditory processing, coordination, and social-emotional skills. The experience culminates in a joyful spring performance for parents and special guests.
Transitional First Grade (T1)
Transitional First Grade (T1) offers the gift of time, providing additional opportunities for play-based learning and physical development before beginning first grade. Designed for children who may be slightly younger than their peers, T1 features its own distinct curriculum that builds upon the skills and concepts introduced in Kindergarten.
The program allows students meaningful time for social-emotional growth, helping them become more self-aware, self-disciplined, and confident learners. With a class size of approximately 16–18 students, each T1 classroom is led by a head teacher and supported by a full-time teaching associate, ensuring individualized attention and support.
School Day
Learn more about early literacy at Lamplighter.
Learning Led by Experts
Many of Lamplighter’s Early Childhood faculty hold advanced degrees and participate in ongoing professional development in areas such as Early Childhood development, Early Childhood assessments, classroom management, and curriculum updates. Faculty are also trained in social-emotional programs, including Love & Logic and The Responsive Classroom.
In addition, Early Childhood teachers regularly attend national and regional conferences in math, science, literacy, technology, and social-emotional learning. Many have presented at these conferences and published articles in educational journals, sharing their expertise with the broader professional community.
