Where Joyful Learning Begins

At the Little School at Kent School, your child will explore, grow, and thrive in a nurturing environment designed to spark curiosity and build a foundation for lifelong learning.

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Engaging, Child-Centered Learning

In Little School, every activity is an opportunity to learn, play, and grow. Our program blends teacher-directed guidance with hands-on, play-based learning to foster curiosity and independence. Children are immersed in:

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Language & Literacy Skills

Through storytime, phonics activities, and rich conversations, children build strong communication skills and a love of reading that forms the cornerstone of their education.

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Math & Problem Solving

Hands-on activities like puzzles, sorting games, and tactile exploration help children grasp numerical and spatial concepts while developing critical thinking skills.

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Nature Exploration

Outdoor play and science-based activities encourage children to observe, experiment, and engage with the world around them, fostering curiosity and creativity.

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Kindergarten Readiness

Our program emphasizes responsibility, independence, and foundational academic skills to ensure every child feels confident and prepared for their next educational step.

Our Four Pillars of Development

At the Little School, we focus on four key areas of development, creating a strong foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth.

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Social & Emotional Development

We help children build confidence, responsibility, and positive relationships. Through play and guided activities, they learn to express emotions, interact with peers, and develop self-discipline.

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Language & Communication

Our program fosters a love of language through storytelling, conversations, and phonics-based activities, helping children develop strong speaking, listening, and early literacy skills.

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Problem Solving

Hands-on, play-based learning encourages children to think critically, explore solutions, and resolve conflicts independently, laying the groundwork for creative thinking.

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Educational Development

By engaging in age-appropriate activities, children master kindergarten readiness skills, including early math, reading, and science concepts, in a joyful and supportive environment.

Each day my children come home from school excited; full of joy and stories about what they learned.

As an educator, teaching at Kent School is like breathing a deep breath of fresh spring air. Educators are trusted to do what is best and right for children and are supported to make instructional decisions.

Our Philosophy

Little School teachers work hard to create an atmosphere that allows children to express themselves while developing their maximum potential. We recognize that each child is unique, and all children are respected for their differences. The same performance and behavior is not expected of any two children. The School’s warm social atmosphere encourages each child’s growth in responsibility and self-discipline. The faculty encourages family involvement in the program so that each child feels a close bond between home and school.

By design, the program is multi-age to cater to the growth of every child in each of our goal areas. Preschool children typically develop at varying speeds which could mean a four year old is on a similar level as a three year old socially and a three year old may be better paired with a four year old for a writing task. This approach provides an environment for every child to develop at their own pace without directly comparing themselves to their own age group.

Little School Curriculum

All instruction is theme-based, child-centered, and teacher-directed. Children are exposed to:

  • Experiences to develop reading, phonological awareness, language and communication skills
  • Tactile experiences that promote an understanding of spatial and numerical concepts, hypothesizing, reasoning and problem-solving
  • Opportunities to explore, experiment and experience the natural world around them
  • Development of critical thinking skills and problem solving skills (including conflict resolution)
  • Mastery of kindergarten readiness skills
  • Sensory experiences which fulfill developmental needs and enhance a child’s sensory integration process
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Chesapeake Bay Studies in Little School

Learning in Little School is about discovery and the surrounding campus is part of our classroom.

We are outside in all seasons watching our garden change, keeping an eye on migrating geese and nesting osprey, collecting and releasing insects and tadpoles. Since our school is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Chester River and rural farmland so it is fitting to make it an integral part of our Preschool program. Field trips are an essential piece to bringing our thematic programming to life. 

Little School Students putting together a puzzle on the rug

Little School is an Integral Part of the Full Kent School Community

Little School students have their own classrooms and playground but they are an important part of the full Kent School community and are able to take advantage of our larger school campus. Little School students take part in:

  • Age-appropriate arts and cultural assemblies
  • Reading partners with Third Grade students
  • Nature Buddies classes with Middle School students
  • Weekly classes in Spanish, Library, Music and Physical Education

Frequently Asked Questions about Little School

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What age does Little School at Kent School serve?

Our Little School program welcomes children ages 3, 4 and 5.

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Is the program full day or half day?

Little School offers a full-day program, Monday through Friday, aligned with the broader Kent School calendar. This allows children to build routines and engage deeply in learning through play. We also offer a 4 day per week option for families who would like that added flexibility.

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What is the student-to-teacher ratio?

We maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio to ensure personalized attention, nurturing relationships, and a calm, structured classroom environment. In our 3’s room we have a maximum of 10 students with two teachers. In our 4’s room we have a maximum of 20 students with two teachers.

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How does Kent School support social-emotional development?

We integrate social-emotional learning into everything we do. Through play, group activities, and daily routines, children learn how to express emotions, solve problems, build friendships, and practice empathy.

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What does a typical day in Little School look like?

Each day includes a balance of structured activities and free play. Children also enjoy snack time, outdoor recess, story time, and hands-on learning centers. Students also participate in co-curricular classes each day. They got to Art, Music, Phys. Ed. Library and Spanish. Because our Little School is part of a larger school the children are able to use these spaces and get to know other teachers.

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Do Little School students get to interact with older students?

Yes! As part of the larger Kent School community, our preschoolers benefit from seeing older role models and participating in age-appropriate school-wide events and traditions. Specifically, Our Third grade students are Little School Reading Partners and they visit and read together once per week.

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Can I schedule a tour before applying?

Absolutely! We encourage all interested families to schedule a private tour to meet our teachers, explore the classroom, and see our program in action.

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Visit Little School
and See the Difference

Schedule a visit today to see how Little School provides a warm, welcoming and nurturing start for every child.

Schedule a Visit