Kindergarten (Age: 5 years by Sept. 1st)

Kindergarten students build on their prior knowledge and practice following three-to-four step instructions while developing the reading, math, science, and social studies prowess needed to ensure success in first grade. The program builds a solid foundation for students in all academic areas, as well as, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

At the Academy, your child will transition through each stage of the Early Years Program with teachers who guide him/her in all aspects of development. The goal of the Early Years Program is to foster a sense of wonder and a passion for lifelong learning in each child.

In addition to the core curriculum listed below, kindergarten students also have weekly classes in art, music, physical education, World Language and STEM. Student exploration and learning is enhanced through our Lower School STEM room which is designed to provide age appropriate experiments in science, technology,engineering and math. Creating a love of exploration, experimentation and trial and error pays big dividends at NDA. Did you know 50% of our graduates pursue degrees in STEM?

Curriculum

Reading & Language Arts

The kindergarten program uses Into Reading and Fundations in English to build a strong basis of beginning reading and writing skills including letter recognition and sounds, rhyming, syllable counting, decoding skills, building a sight word vocabulary, reading comprehension skills, reading fluency, grammar, conventions of writing, and a love of literature. Into Reading and Fundations curricula is continued through Grade 5. Students participate in whole group instruction, guided reading groups, literacy centers and journal writing.

Math

The Academy uses the Massachusetts' Core Curriculum standards for math to create age appropriate lesson plans for kindergarten. The kindergarten program focuses on counting by ones to 100, counting by tens, writing numbers 0-20, comparing numbers, understanding the value of teen numbers, identifying both 2-D and 3-D shapes, understanding basic addition and subtraction, patterning, sequencing , and interpreting simple graphs. Lessons are enhanced through the use of Math Shelf, an iPad app.

Handwriting

The Academy uses Fundations handwriting program which focuses on correct pencil grip, letter formation, and letter placement within lines through specific language and the grouping of letters by similar strokes.

Social Studies

The social studies program focuses on family, friends, school experiences & rules, community, cultures & traditions, significant people & events in history, state & country symbols, government, jobs people perform, wants versus needs, and basic map skills. These topics are taught both as stand alone lessons and weaved throughout the entire curriculum. The Let’s Find Out weekly series by Scholastic further enhances this program.

Science

The science curriculum focuses on fostering students’ natural curiosity through exploration and guided experimentation. Students are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, experiment to discover, and reflect on their discoveries. Non-fiction literature selections, the Let’s Find Out weekly series by Scholastic, and exploration in the Lower School STEM room further enhances these experiences.

Religion

NDA uses the faith-based Christ in Us curriculum by Sadlier publishers to introduce students to familiar stories from the Bible and how they can relate to our lives. The students learn some of the most important lessons from Jesus like kindness, respect, caring for others, and love.