Three Levels of Kindergarten

The Village School has several levels of Kindergarten – a unique program that gives each child the best opportunity to be placed according to his or her specific readiness and developmental level. This helps ensure the best possible preparation for first grade.

Level I
Because we adhere to a September 1st deadline (a child must be 6 years old before September 1st to enter first grade), Level I children are generally those whose birthdays fall after that date. Parents understand that children entering at this level will attend two years of kindergarten.

At Level I, an individualized phonetic reading program is presented. Parental participation is essential for the child to achieve his or her maximum potential.

Level II
Children placed in this level are 5 before the September 1st deadline. It is presumed that they will enter first grade the following year; however, parents may choose to allow them another year to mature before that time. This sometimes occurs with children who have summer birthdays.

Level III
Often called a pre-first or "bridge" class, this level is unique in that many of these children are old enough to enter first grade, and all have strong academic skills. Parents may have elected to allow their child an extra year to mature, while continuing with their academic progress. Therefore, many of these children are already 6 years old before September 1st.

It has been our experience that, as these children pass through school, they benefit from being among the older – rather than one of the youngest – in the class. Others placed in this class already have strong reading and math skills and will begin turning 6 in September.

Level III is taught as a first-grade class, and much independent work is expected. The individualized reading program continues, and requires parental participation at home.