Preschool/Pre-K/Jr-K

Legacy School’s Preschool classes are designed for children who are 3 years old by October 15th. The program was developed knowing 3-year olds like to work at their own pace, as they inquire about the world around them.  Each class fosters and engages the fantastic imagination of the 3-year-old while offering socialization, movement, and hands-on experiences.  Small class sizes give preschool students the much-needed individual attention they deserve.

Our 3-year-old Preschool program is a half-day program only (9:00-11:15). Afternoon Enrichment classes and before/after care are not offered for 3-year-old Preschool students.

Pre-Kindergarten classes have been developed for children who are 4 years old by October 15th.  Pre-K teachers know how inquisitive and thoughtful 4-year olds can be.  The small class sizes foster an atmosphere that gives teachers the opportunity to provide differentiated instruction.  This type of education allows students to make necessary strides in their cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development.

Afternoon Enrichment classes and before/after care are offered for Pre-K students.

Legacy School’s Junior-Kindergarten class is dedicated to children who may have already completed a Pre-K class and will be entering Kindergarten the following year.  Students must be 5 years old by November 15th to enter Junior-Kindergarten.  With a small class size, students are given the specialized attention needed to flourish emotionally, socially, and cognitively.  Because of this exciting, multisensory educational environment, Junior-Kindergarten students are enthusiastic about learning and become shining examples of school readiness.

Afternoon Enrichment classes and before/after care are offered for Jr-K students.

The afternoon Enrichment Program at Legacy School allows students in Junior-Kindergarten or Pre-Kindergarten to experience a full day of learning. The Enrichment program is multi-faceted, involving STEAM, Book Club, Healthy Kids, Life Skills, and Art.

• STEAM classes offer hands-on experiences with technology and math. Students tinker and build with a variety of manipulatives and engineering-based centers.
• Book Club gives students the ability to learn in all different areas through stories. Children practice vocabulary, listening, and fine motor skills. Best of all, they get to act out the stories!
• Healthy Kids gets children up and moving while also teaching them how to cook simple healthy snacks and the basics of taking care of themselves.
• Life Skills provides young learners with the necessary skills needed in the 21st century. These skills include; social skills like communication and collaboration with peers, mental skills like problem-solving and decision-making, and physical skills like tying a shoe or washing hands before a meal.
• Art equips children with knowledge of basic Art skills and how to implement those skills in their own works of art. Students will learn concepts such as texture, lines, shapes, and colors.

Parents may opt to have their child stay for one to five Enrichment classes a week.

In the Library, reading and writing skills are promoted through pictures, play, print, guided reading, handwriting, journaling, and phonological awareness activities. Teachers use literacy to enhance exposure and plan direct teaching lessons that provide oral and written language experiences.  Centers include writing, alphabet recognition, listening, interactive library, phonics, and age-appropriate literature.

Young children are curious by nature.  Legacy School’s Discovery Room allows for the expansion of how a student relates to his/her world.  In the Discovery Classroom, students explore and investigate through Math and Science activities.  They learn math concepts necessary to become powerful problem solvers.  They become young scientists through experiment and wonder.  Hands-on activities evolve from student interest in their environment while in the Discovery Room.

In the Drama Room, children use their imagination while in the various centers: house play, construction site, grocery store, veterinarian clinic, transportation center, theater, post office, flower shop, fruit and vegetable stand, doctor’s office, and restaurant.  Research in early childhood education is abundant on the importance of play.  When children simply play, they positively influence their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development.  The Drama Room gives Legacy students vast opportunities to learn through dramatic play.

Every class at Legacy School experiences weekly music education. Legacy’s music class goes beyond simple song singing, and finger plays.  Like all other Legacy programs, the music education program teaches higher-level skills through age-appropriate lessons. Students are learning rhythm, tone, tempo, pitch, and music reading through song and dance.  Materials utilized are piano, guitar, individual student instruments, scarves, rhythm sticks, and many other “hands-on” educational items.

In the Art Classroom, students refine their fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and the power of observation by creating and manipulating artworks and experiencing all modes of art using tools such as chalk, sponges, markers, scissors, glue, paint, crayons, and clay.  Students are active learners, as art is a hands-on activity that expands the imagination and exercises creativity.  The Art Classroom allows children to learn the fundamentals of art, recognize patterns, colors, and shapes, and understand composition, balance, and symmetry, all while having fun!

Young children require multiple opportunities for physical activity.  In the indoor gymnasium, students gain control over their gross motor movements using the balance beam, tunnels, scooters, hula hoops, balls, and other gym activities.  They are working on large muscle movements to run, jump, throw, catch, and kick.  Legacy’s gym allows for indoor exercise when students cannot be outdoors on the 11 acres of land.

Legacy School’s Science and Nature Center provides students with hands-on educational activities led by Science Specialist, Mrs. Pierce. Students explore topics such as ecosystems, energy sources, weather and climate, space, and many more science-based topics. Students also study different animals and reptiles as they appear in their natural environment and throughout the 11 acres. Legacy currently has 3 goats, 5 chickens, bearded dragons, a tortoise, geckos, green anoles, Bahama anoles, and corn snakes.

Research shows children need connections with the natural world as part of their healthy growth and development.  Legacy School connects our students to nature through the 11 acres of outdoor learning areas.  Students take an active role while they participate in exciting hands-on, motivational activities such as giant tree block building, nature art area, sand play, tree stump stools, nature trails, and more.  Rocks, shells, pinecones, magnifying glasses, insect specimens, shovels, twigs, and other nature tools are all part of the educational fun in the outdoor nature experiences.

Outdoor play is fundamental to any early childhood program.  There are multiple developmental tasks that children must achieve that can most effectively be learned through outdoor play: exploring, risk-taking, fine, and gross motor development.  In a culture that sees less and less outdoor play and more TV/computer time, it is critical for the health and development of children to get outside.  Students at Legacy School practice gross motor skills while outside on our 11 acre campus.  Legacy School’s property includes two playgrounds, a baseball field, soccer field, obstacle course, basketball court, Gaga pits, swings, teeter-totters, sand pit and walking trails.  Climbing, sliding, kicking, catching, throwing, and other outdoor recess activities are all part of the fun!