Preschool
Canterbury School knows that building a strong foundation early in a child’s life can help lead to a lifetime of success. We know that young learners discover and explore in unique ways and our preschool through 8th grade model allows us to focus all our resources on creating the best environment to foster growth and development in the most formative years.
Our preschool classrooms are designed to create developmentally appropriate experiences for our youngest learners to explore the world around them. Our experienced faculty works with each student to support their growth and development, while establishing a love of learning that will carry them forward through their time at Canterbury and beyond.
Our Program
Thoughtful beginnings for young learners.
Fostering Curiosity
Young children are naturally curious and we know that fostering their curiosity leads to learning and critical thinking. We encourage students to ask questions and take an active role in discovering the answers. Small class sizes allow teachers to tailor instruction to find the right challenge and curiosity point for each individual child.
Exploring to Learn
Exploration and play create the foundation by which students learn by their earliest experiences. Our students are active learners—inside the classroom, on our preschool playground, and on the nature trails. Students develop independence through centers, play-based learning, and active play.
Expanding Community
Relationships with peers and with teachers are critical to a young learner’s first experience with school. Our Responsive Classroom approach helps our students build trust so they can take risks and develop communication and collaboration skills.
Making Connections
As young children learn, they connect new information to prior knowledge as they make sense of the world around them. Our faculty helps students build these bridges by tailoring curriculum lessons to incorporate student interest and understanding.
Classes and hours
Cubs
Students in Cubs have turned three by August 31st of the year they are enrolling. Students must be potty-trained before they begin, and are typically two years out from kindergarten.
PreK
Students in PreK have turned four by August 31st of the year they are enrolling. Students must be potty-trained before they begin, and are typically one year out from kindergarten.
Preschool Hours
Preschool classes run Monday – Friday and students have the option of attending half day (8 a.m. – 1 p.m.) or full day (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.).
Extended Day is available for all students and runs from 3-6 p.m.
Transition to kindergarten.
Our preschool classes prepare students for a smooth transition to kindergarten. Our students continue to build their curiosity, independence, and love of learning that begins in Cubs and PreK. Students do not need to reapply to go on to kindergarten at Canterbury.
We’re here to help.
We understand that selecting the right school is a meaningful decision for your family. Our admissions team is here to provide guidance, answer questions, and support you throughout the process.
We look forward to getting to know you and helping you explore whether Canterbury is the right fit for your child.
