Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
Honoring childhood while nurturing the skills for what comes next
Our Transitional Kindergarten program offers children the gift of time: time to grow, to wonder, to play deeply, and to develop a strong foundation for the years ahead. Before children step into the more structured world of elementary school, we believe their early childhood years deserve to be nourished and protected. Research continues to affirm the importance of play in early learning, giving children the space to make meaning of the world, develop relationships, build confidence, and practice the social, emotional, creative, and problem-solving skills that support later success in school and in life.
As part of our small preschool community, TK children thrive within a mixed-age learning environment where they have opportunities to be both the youngest and the most experienced. We begin each morning together as a whole community before children move into three smaller learning groups, allowing for a balance of belonging, independence, and intimate relationships with teachers and peers.
The Oak Group
The 4- and 5-year-olds
The Oak Group begins each day beneath the majestic oak tree in our yard, grounding the children in the natural world and inviting them into project work that grows from their questions, interests, relationships, and discoveries. Our approach is inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia, where learning is understood as something that happens within relationships—between children and teachers, children and one another, and children and the environments they inhabit.
Our indoor and outdoor classrooms are thoughtfully prepared to invite investigation, collaboration, creativity, and sustained play. Children move between spaces with purpose and curiosity, using our two ateliers as places to explore materials, express ideas, represent their thinking, and revisit their discoveries. The creek becomes another teacher and another classroom, offering endless opportunities for observation, experimentation, storytelling, movement, and wonder.
Within this rich environment, teachers listen closely to children and follow their ideas, documenting their thinking and extending projects as new questions emerge. Learning is not separated into isolated subjects; instead, literacy, mathematics, science, art, movement, and social development naturally weave together through meaningful experiences.
Most importantly, our TK program honors childhood. We want children to leave us not simply ready for kindergarten, but deeply connected to themselves, to others, and to the joy of learning—confident in their ability to wonder, ask questions, solve problems, create, collaborate, and make their own discoveries.
We can't wait to welcome you!
Welcome to our sweet Reggio-inspired preschool in the heart of the Montgomery Village Neighborhood!