Academics
Pre-K
Pre-K at Newtown Friends School
Launch a Love for Learning
Your child’s first steps at school are so crucial. As a parent, you understand just how much those early experiences can set the stage for all the memorable milestones to come on their academic journey.
Pre-K is a time when children begin to ask lots of questions as they explore the world around them. Their natural curiosity sparks an interest in learning new things. They’re also beginning to show signs that they’re ready for full-day activities.
You want your child to begin building their confidence and self-esteem. It’s especially important for this to take place in a calm, affirming, and enriching learning environment that supports the positive values you embrace at home. Most of all, you want them to experience joy in learning that will continue in kindergarten and beyond.
Learning Environment
Newtown Friends School provides early learners with rich academic advantages in a warm, accepting environment that truly feels like home.
At NFS, we meet children where they are, helping them to learn and challenge themselves in ways appropriate to their development and abilities. Teachers focus on social and emotional readiness as key components of our program, preparing your child for a smooth transition to kindergarten.
Pre-K students enjoy the perfect balance of academics and play for a fully engaging school day at NFS.
In our Pre-Kindergarten program, you will see:
-
Well-rounded academic program. Drawing from our overall curriculum, Pre-K students are introduced to core subjects that include early reading, math, science, and social studies.
-
Engaging specials. Our Spanish immersion program is introduced in Pre-K. Little learners also have dedicated time to choose library books, and participate in 1-on-1 instrumental music lessons.
-
Creative outdoor spaces. Our youngest learners frequently enjoy classroom trips to the meadows on the beautiful George School campus nearby, and enjoy daily visits to the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom.
-
Small class sizes. The 15:2 student-teacher ratio allows our teachers the opportunity to get to know and care for each one of our Pre-K students.
“NFS has mastered the delicate balance of providing structure while also encouraging free exploration. Our son has gained many important preparatory skills (letter and number recognition, hand strength, basic reading prep) that will help him succeed in a kindergarten classroom and beyond.” - Pre-K Parent
What Sets Us Apart
Families love our Pre-K program because it truly feels like an extension of their home. You want the best for your little one, and it’s important to find a school that offers the same love, support, care, and protection that you provide at home.
The opportunity to partner with you to provide the best early education for your child is a privilege we don’t take lightly.
Families choose NFS for the following reasons:
Quaker influence
Many of our parents appreciate the Quaker values (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship) that we fully embrace at NFS.
These values are intentionally woven into our program, even for our youngest learners. Children learn the importance of caring for one another and how they can contribute to their communities in their own way. Our Pre-K students are valued participants in some of our most treasured community service activities, including the Intergenerational Program at neighboring Pennswood Village.
NFS embraces families from all religions, backgrounds and traditions. Pre-K teachers model what it looks like for children to celebrate those who come from all walks of life.
Intentional programming
NFS’s structure and Pre-K program are built around a young child’s natural interests and designed to help inspire their curiosity.
The Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom, located just outside the classroom, is designed for hands-on activities. Our Pre-K teachers love spending time in nature and the outdoors, where muddy boots and dirty hands are a normal part of our Pre-K program.
Sense of community
Pre-K students experience remarkable growth as they learn new things, spend time in nature, enjoy wholesome snacks, and socialize with classmates.
We welcome parents into the classrooms to help with activities and join field trips. Parents have plenty of opportunities to stay involved, such as volunteering in the library, serving lunches, helping run community events, and participating in evening activities. Our Pre-K students also love the opportunities they have to meet with fourth-grade reading buddies.
What to Expect
You might be wondering what you would see if you stepped inside one of our Pre-K classrooms during a typical school day.
Classrooms are busy with lots of activity. Teachers organize and design our spaces while allowing kids plenty of freedom in their work and play. Students participate in academic centers for early reading, math, and science. There’s a designated area for playtime and snacks.
You’ll find our Pre-K classrooms are full of movement and excited little learners as a result of the many hands-on learning activities. You might hear a chorus of laughter as you approach the Pre-K classroom, or walk into a dance party or classroom yoga break between activities.
Daily Schedule
Pre-K at NFS is a full-time, five day per week program, with the same hours as our K-8 classes, 8:20 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Before and after-school care is available.
If you would like to learn more about our Pre-K program, we would be happy to help!
If you would like to learn more about our Pre-K program, we would be happy to help!
Newtown Friends School
Located In Newtown, Pennsylvania, Newtown Friends School is a Private School For Grades Pre-K-8th Grade.
