The WCDS preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten programs are designed to cultivate a child’s natural desire to explore and learn within a structured environment. Early childhood is the time to lay the foundation for future learning. We acknowledge that children learn, grow, and develop at different rates and with different learning styles, and our small class sizes allow for significant amounts of individualized teaching. To develop well-rounded children who are enthusiastic about learning, WCDS provides learning opportunities in both group and individual settings, enabling students to succeed at their own levels.
Curriculum
In keeping with Wakefield’s tradition of emphasizing core academic subjects, children are introduced to reading and writing, math, science, history, geography, Spanish, music, art, library, and sports. Social development, getting along with others, character education, and group problem-solving are also incorporated into these core subjects to nurture independent, responsible, respectful individuals. The program provides a safe environment for children to develop mentally, physically, and socially. The Early Education programs lay a solid foundation for successful WCDS students as they enter the lower school.
Students thrive in small classes taught by highly experienced teachers, who pass on their love of learning to the children. Students acquire early math and reading skills, marvel at the wonders of science, and enjoy separate classes in Spanish, art, music, and physical education. They interact with older students through reading buddies, assembly performances, and our bus buddy program. Through our community engagement program, students take part in field trips to apple orchards, local museums, theaters, and small businesses. They celebrate special traditions like reciting poems at Kindergarten graduation, performing the Alligator Stomp dance, and watching chickens hatch from eggs.
Extracurriculars
Public Speaking
Performances in assembly help students develop confidence and stage presence. Students take the stage to:
- Recite poems
- Sing songs
- Act and dance in dramatic skits
- Participate in holiday festivities
Interactive Learning
- Hands-on activities in circle time and learning centers provide students the time to grapple with scientific and mathematical concepts.
Character & Courtesies
Embedded in the literature and daily instruction are character traits and courtesies students strive to embody and learn:
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Courage
- Humility
- Charity
- Citizenship
- Honor
- Perseverance
- Wisdom
Reading Buddies
- Older students meet weekly with younger ones to spend time learning from each other and reading stories together.
Music Exploration
- Students learn rhythm and harmony as they sing and play instruments, composing their own music.
Healthy Minds and Bodies
- Physical Education is a critical part of learning.
- Weekly classes occur in PE with multiple and varied athletic experiences, including individual and team sports with exposure to activities such as skiing, swimming, and roller skating.
Artistic Expression
- Students create masterpieces in weekly art classes.
- Classes are taught by experienced local artists with a course of studies based on the acclaimed MonArt curriculum.
Computer Literacy
- Students gain exposure to computers and tablets, basic computer skills through weekly computer classes.
Bus Buddies
- Older students are paired with younger students to walk students from the bus to the classroom.
- Beginning with the first day of school, lasting friendships are formed.
Engaging Field Trips
Learning moves outside the classrooms as students travel with teachers to places near and far:
- Apple orchards and pumpkin patches
- Zoos
- Museums
- Historical landmarks
- Fire stations & more
Spanish Class
- Through songs, videos, and dramatic play, students learn Spanish from their teacher, a native Spanish speaker.
More Information on Each Division:
More Information on Each Division: