8 Considerations for Choosing a Pre-K or Kindergarten
Important things to consider when finding the program that is right for your child and your family.
Your child’s first year in a formal learning environment is an important one, so it’s no surprise that many families find choosing a Pre-K or Kindergarten challenging. With many options available in the Charleston area, how should you begin to evaluate different programs? Here are eight things to consider when finding the program that is right for your child and your family.
1) What is the school’s philosophy around learning? Some schools focus mainly on academics, while others take a more holistic approach.
At Mason Prep, we want our students to develop a curiosity about the world and a true love of learning. Our Pre-K and Kindergarten programs challenge students to do their best work in a supportive, nurturing environment where engaging, hands-on activities make learning fun. Our “joyful learning” approach means our students are excited to come to school each day.
2) Is there a comprehensive curriculum? A well-rounded curriculum will not only teach your child core skills in reading and math, but also expose your child to the arts, science, language, and technology. Who knows what will capture your child’s interest?
The Mason Prep curriculum is designed to cultivate intellectual potential while also developing the whole child. We place great importance on introducing our students to a wide range of subjects meant to foster their creativity and imagination. One of our signature programs is our InDI (Innovation & Design Initiative) program, which is Mason Prep’s version of STEM. As the only STEM certified independent school in Charleston, our students learn not only about science, but also critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork skills, and more.
The Mason Prep curriculum is designed to cultivate intellectual potential while also developing the whole child. We place great importance on introducing our students to a wide range of subjects meant to foster their creativity and imagination. One of our signature programs is our InDI (Innovation & Design Initiative) program, which is Mason Prep’s version of STEM. As the only STEM certified independent school in Charleston, our students learn not only about science, but also critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork skills, and more.
3) How does the school build community? Since your child will be in this environment for many hours each day, it is important that they feel comfortable, valued, and safe. A supportive environment is key for a child’s development and learning.
Mason Prep’s small size means that our students are known by their teachers, administrators, and peers. Our parents say that MPS “feels like a family,” and we actively foster this sense of community. Our castle system places each student in one of four castles, which meet throughout the year and engage in friendly competitions. These castles promote additional connections between students of all ages within our school community. Our pen pal program matches our Pre-K and Kindergarten students with our oldest students to form bonds across grade levels. Pen pals meet throughout the year for picnics and play time. When alumni come back to visit, they can still remember who their pen pals were!
Mason Prep’s small size means that our students are known by their teachers, administrators, and peers. Our parents say that MPS “feels like a family,” and we actively foster this sense of community. Our castle system places each student in one of four castles, which meet throughout the year and engage in friendly competitions. These castles promote additional connections between students of all ages within our school community. Our pen pal program matches our Pre-K and Kindergarten students with our oldest students to form bonds across grade levels. Pen pals meet throughout the year for picnics and play time. When alumni come back to visit, they can still remember who their pen pals were!
4) What are the class sizes? This is an important question to ask, as it directly impacts how much individual attention your child will receive. You should also consider how many teachers are in each classroom – is there a lead teacher and an associate? Since each child leans in their own way at their own pace, a smaller class size means that your child’s teacher can provide more individualized instruction.
Mason Prep’s classes are kept small to allow our teachers to meet each child’s learning needs. We understand that students are coming to Mason Prep with different skills and at different stages of development. Our small classes enable our teachers to work with each child at their own pace and to celebrate each “lightbulb moment” as they come!
Mason Prep’s classes are kept small to allow our teachers to meet each child’s learning needs. We understand that students are coming to Mason Prep with different skills and at different stages of development. Our small classes enable our teachers to work with each child at their own pace and to celebrate each “lightbulb moment” as they come!
5) Are the teachers engaging? Excitement is contagious, and teachers who are passionate about teaching have students who are eager to learn.
At MPS, everything we do is for the benefit of our students. The average Mason Prep teacher has been an educator for nearly nineteen years, and we have a remarkable range of experience within our faculty. Our faculty members share their knowledge, support their colleagues, and collaborate across classes and grades to ensure that each student is supported in their current learning and prepared for the next challenge.
6) Is Social-Emotional Learning part of the curriculum? Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs focus on character development, including helping children develop social competencies, understand how to contribute positively to a group, and learn to make high character choices in their actions and relationships.
Mason Prep’s curriculum leaves our students exceptionally well-prepared to move on to high school, but our thoughtful and intentional character education program is at least equally important in helping our school to create the difference makers of tomorrow. Mason Prep has a cohesive, school-wide Social Emotional Learning program whose curriculum flows from year to year, building on the lessons learned in the previous grade. By the eighth grade, students have been taught the social and emotional skills they will need for success in the classroom and for life.
7) What kinds of after-school offerings are there? After-school enrichment programs can further open a child’s eyes to new and interesting activities. For parents, these programs can be invaluable, as having a safe and fun place for your child to spend the afternoon can ease the juggling of carpools, activities, and work or other obligations.
Mason Prep offers several options for after-school care. Students may stay in our Extended Day program until 5:45, where children play outside after spending time working on homework and projects. We also have numerous outside vendors who bring various activities to school, such as dance, robotics, theater, soccer, and more. Our sports program is robust, with a large percentage of our students participating in team sports. MPS offers both developmental and competitive sports teams including volleyball, basketball, baseball, and tennis. Go Knights!
8) Are parents actively involved in the school? Parent engagement is a great measure of the strength of the school community.
Parents are always welcome at Mason Prep! We love having parents join us for lunch, visit as parent readers, and serve as homeroom parents. Our Knights Parent Guild is extremely involved, spearheading our lunch program, supporting student field trips, and hosting family events such as the Father-Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Kickball Game, Movie Night, and – everyone’s favorite – BINGO Night!
Now that you have some things to think about and ways to compare one school with another, an important step to take is to visit the school. Take a tour and speak with the admissions person about the needs of your student and what is important to your family. Seeing classes in action and getting a feel for the school will be extremely helpful as you narrow your search.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MASON PREP?
If you are interested in learning more about Mason Prep, we would love to talk with you or (even better!) schedule a personalized tour. Please call or email Mr. Jake Petty, Director of Admissions (admissions@masonprep,org; 843.805.6015)
Mason Preparatory School is committed to the education of the whole child in preparation for secondary education through the cultivation of respect, integrity, and personal responsibility within a nurturing environment that results in a productive citizen of a global community.
©2020 Mason Preparatory School