The Kindergarten program at Ambleside is designed to foster the development of the whole child in a loving environment, and to nurture each child’s God-given joy of discovery and knowledge. This is a transformational stage, and we aim to instill lifelong habits of learning, kindness and discipline from the very beginning. Short but engaging lessons prepare children for success. The rich, technology-free curriculum comprises great books, poems, music, art, Spanish lessons, P.E. games, and more. Our dedicated teachers are intentional about creating a peaceful atmosphere, where the focus is based not on results but on character development.
Program Schedule
Ambleside’s Kindergarten program offers two options:
Option 1: 3-day Kindergarten
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:15 AM - 3:10 PM
Option 2: 5-day Kindergarten with Tuesday and Thursday Enrichment
Monday - Friday 8:15 AM - 3:10 PM
DAILY RHYTHM: Short lessons, nature walks, handwork, playtime
Short Lessons: Children spend regular time engaging with Literature, Tales and Fables, Poetry, Music, Spanish language, Composer Study, Art, Picture Study and the Bible. This rich diet of inspirational and disciplinary subjects forms the foundation for later studies in the humanities.
Nature Walk and Playtime: Children also spend significant time outdoors during nature walks, recess and small breaks, allowing them ample active play. During nature study children interact with God’s creation as they study wildflowers and insects. They also participate in field trips to various cultural and educational destinations around the Washington D.C. area.
Handwork: Children develop their fine motor skills through introduction to Froebel manipulatives. They develop patience and the appreciation for quality work as they learn to braid and work with textiles. Their finished work is then used to bless others both inside and outside of our school community.
CORE SKILLS: Foundations in phonics, handwriting, reading and number sense
Phonics and Handwriting: Children learn the sounds that each letter makes, as well as how to form it on paper. They concentrate on neatness and on creating their “best work.”
Reading: Children are exposed to a wide variety of books at different reading levels. They have ample time to practice reading and enjoy books both independently and in pairs. In addition children have weekly visits to our library.
Math: Children focus on number concepts and the correct formation of symbols. Daily activities expose them to graphing, sequencing, recording, and to the idea of place value. They play hands-on math games, use Froebel manipulatives, sort and classify, identify patterns, and solve story problems.
Cognitive and Verbal Skills: Students grow through storytelling, narration, class discussions, poetry recitation, and Bible readings. Children are encouraged to tell back what they have read and heard both orally and pictorially.
FAITH AND COMMUNITY: Bible stories, hymns, habits of kindness and attention
Reverent Worship: Kindergarteners begin each day by participating in all-school morning assembly and Friday chapel, followed by Bible story time. By starting each day with communal worship and Scripture, we lay the foundation in students’ hearts for a robust Biblical worldview. Opportunities to explore God’s truth are woven throughout the entire daily routine through Old and New Testament stories, prayer, and various activities.
Right Relationship: When conflicts arise, teachers shepherd children through difficult conversations and instill Biblical principles for communication. Kindergarteners learn about the Golden Rule, manners, respect towards adults, kindness to those in need, responsible work, and other habits for relating to one another and imitating Christ.
Teachers nurture children’s natural joy of discovery and storytelling in a gentle, loving environment, in order that they may come to develop a personal and trusting relationship with their Creator.
Want to see Ambleside’s Kindergarten for yourself? Please schedule a visit and our Admissions Team will connect with you. We would love to meet you!
“We begin to see light; no one knoweth the things of a man but the spirit of a man which is in him; therefore, there is no education but self-education and as soon as a young child begins his education he does so as a student. Our business is to give him mind-stuff, and both quality and quantity are essential.”
