- Preschool
- Kindergarten
- Primary Circle
- Main Circle
- Oldest Group
- Art
- Technology
- Library
- Music
- Science
- Woodshop
- Service Learning
- Mini Courses
- Sports
- Afternoons Program

Classrooms

Kindergarten

The School in Rose Valley offers a kindergarten program which provides children a wide range of experiences in a very nurturing environment. There is a special emphasis on social-emotional development based on the values of community and empathy. Teachers intentionally support kindergartners in conflict resolution, social skills, personal responsibility and emotional awareness.

Kindergarten Mission Statement

Kindergarten at SRV is a step from preschool into the wider school community. It builds the foundation for social maturity and academic learning while remaining responsive the the here-and-now of the young child's experience.

Literacy

SRV's kindergarten program fosters early literacy skills by creating an inspiring literary environment. Children become passionate book lovers through exploring the diverse classroom library, listening to daily read-alouds, sharing rich conversations about stories, and for many, by mastering reading. Children are encouraged to write for self-expression and real-life purposes, using developmental spelling. Alphabet recognition and sound-letter correspondence are taught through games and one-on-one instruction.

Math

Kindergartners use the Investigations math program, a curriculum used by many schools throughout Pennsylvania, to learn counting, quantity, shapes and 3D geometry, gathering and presenting data, and patterns. The children approach math through exploration of diverse hands-on materials, games, stories, and discussion. Teachers supplement Investigations with additional units combining stories, crafts, and pretend play.

Specials

All kindergartners attend special subject classes in Woodshop, Music, Art, Science, Technology, Sports and Library. They attend these classes in small groups on a weekly basis.

Social Skills Curriculum

Our social skills curriculum aims to instill in children the skills they need to be successful community members. Children begin their year with a classroom mission statement, written by the children and referred to all year. Teachers regularly model and brainstorm ideas with their class to foster specific, age-appropriate skills. These are driven by the needs of the particular classroom but usually focus on skills such as: how to ask for help, how to make an apology, how to avoid distractions and be an active listener, how to resolve conflicts peacefully, and more.

Play

Play is a vital part of the kindergartner's day at SRV. Recess is a daily occurrence; children in kindergarten through sixth grade have recess at the same time and so it is an opportunity for cross-age play. Organized recess games are offered for those who wish to participate, including sports such as soccer and neighborhood games such as Kick the Can. In addition to the half-hour long all-school recess, kindergartners have a daily "Choice Time," in which they can freely pursue their own interest. Blocks and Legos, dress-ups, dolls, and open access to arts and crafts materials all enhance the children's imaginative play and creative projects. The time devoted solely to play allows children's relationships, curiosity, independence, creativity, and individuality to truly flourish.

Quiet Time

SRV's kindergarten day is rounded out with "Quiet Time," a school-wide time after lunch and recess to settle and recharge for the afternoon. For kindergartners, Quiet Time is a real rest period, when children lie down, listen to soothing music and stories, and learn different strategies for relaxing.

Mini-Courses

Kindergartners through sixth graders participate in Mini-Courses. These are multi-age classes that students get to chose themselves from a wide variety of topics offered by teachers. These unique opportunities for learning and pursuing individual interests meet once weekly in six-week cycles for one hour. Mini-courses that have been offered in the past include: Castle building, Rocketry, Pottery, Percussion Instruments, American Sign Language, Studying Pioneer Times, French Culture, Knitting, Gingerbread Construction, and more.

Sing & Assembly

Every Wednesday morning, Kindergarten through 6th grades meet for a morning 'Sing' together. Every Friday, K through 6th grades meet for Assembly. Assemblies are usually hosted by a particular class who may want to share something they are learning or have been studying. Other times, outside performers come in to share with the student body. Past special assemblies have included storytellers, singers, artists-in-residence, karate demonstrations, historical presentations, and more. Both Sing and Asssembly offer students opportunities to share talents, solo performances, and ensemble pieces.

Length of Day

There are two scheduling options. The first offers a five full day program which runs from 8:15 to 3:00. The second, created because many 5 year olds become tired at the end of the week, offers three full days on Monday through Wednesday, and half days (8:15 to 11:45) on Thursday and Friday. A full day kindergarten program enables us to balance outside play and down time with developmentally appropriate academics.

Preday and Afternoons programs are in place for families who need extended care.

Lunch

A healthy lunch, lovingly prepared by the School's kitchen staff, is provided daily for those who are here for full days and is included in the price of tuition. Our intention is to provide menus with optimum appeal, variety and nourishment. We cook from scratch as much as possible and strive to use a limited amount of processed foods. Vegan, vegetarian and soy options are provided for those with specific dietary requirements.