Ages 5-6
Kindergarten at Schwartz Early Childhood School means an academic focus on early literacy and math skills, along with social-emotional growth. The curriculum is consistent with Common Core state standards, so children are ready for first grade and beyond. Children thrive at the J in an environment rich with experiential learning opportunities.
Academically Focused
Consistent with the Common Core State Standards Initiative that most states—including Washington—have adopted, our kindergarten curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills students will need to be successful throughout their lives. Learn more about Common Core State Standards at corestandards.org.
Each child’s developmental progress in reading, writing, math, reflective thinking, and social-emotional growth will be individually tracked and regularly shared with parents. The program also emphasizes intrinsic motivation and student ownership of their learning.
Curriculum
Educational standards like Common Core are the learning goals for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. Curriculum—how students learn the standards—is designed and implemented by skilled educators who know their students and community best.
A Proven Combination
Children in the Schwartz kindergarten program thrive in an environment rich with experiential learning opportunities. For example, building and exploring structures naturally includes mathematical concepts of sorting, counting, adding/subtracting, measurement, comparison, logical reasoning, and more. Spending time in our very own Kesher Community Garden, children begin to understand the fundamentals of weather, life cycles, biology, and appreciate the amazing ways in which people and the environment are dependent on one another. Literacy skills such as sound recognition, vocabulary building, and letter formation emerge and grow as children engage in story creation, special projects, and more.
Jewish Values
In addition to the academic curriculum, students learn in an environment infused with Jewish culture, values, and traditions. We naturally integrate Jewish values into the classroom as we believe Judaism’s core values foster compassion, kindness, and a commitment to bettering the communities in which we all live.
Financial Assistance
Limited scholarships are available. Please contact Dana Weiner at DanaW@sjcc.org for more information and application instructions.
How do I Enroll My Child?
If you’re new to our school and interested in applying, or learning more, please fill out our Inquiry Form. Enrollment windows for the fall begin in February; find the current dates and details here. Please contact Schwartz ECS Director Carrie Stull to learn more.
Kindergarten FAQ
Is kindergarten part of the Schwartz Early Childhood School?
Yes, the Schwartz kindergarten program operates under the SJCC child care license and as such will follow Washington Department of Health, Public Health Seattle and King County, Licensing, and CDC guidelines. Schwartz kindergarten operates as any other kindergarten: it will be academically focused, consistent with the Common Core State Standards for developing the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills students need to be successful throughout their lives, ensuring our children will be ready for first grade and beyond. Families unfamiliar with the Common Core State Standards may wish to learn more. We will also carry over Reggio Emilia inspiration and Jewish values that have made our Schwartz ECS program unique and rich with community connection.
Is Schwartz kindergarten a full year program?
Yes, our kindergarten runs for 10 months.
