School meets every day from 9am-1pm* Monday-Thursday. ​
Fridays are set aside for off-site learning experiences. For more information, see the Field-Trip Fridays page.
*If you are in need of after school care, let's discuss options​
Curriculum
Our curriculum was designed to meet and exceed the kindergarten "standards of learning" for Virginia. Daily activities provide the English and math standards and in circle time, we employ physical and mental well being practices as part of the health education standards. One hour each day is devoted to "special instruction" with the focus changing each day. Monday provides a survey of the standards of learning in fine arts. Tuesdays cover geography, history & social science, and nutrition education standards. Wednesdays excel in the science standards. Thursdays are reserved for learning reinforcement and to address any standards that are not fully covered in other parts of the curriculum. All lessons are supplemented with Field Trips that align with current learning.
Daily Schedule
Circle Time 9:00-9:25
During Circle Time, we cover the daily calendar, weather, and how we are feeling. We make our goals for the day. Circle time includes a warm-up activity such as story time, yoga, or a group game.
Reading and Writing 9:25-10:15
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For the first 25 minutes, the caterpillar reading group (nonreaders) has a reading lesson while the butterfly reading group (stage 1 readers) practices writing. For the second 25 minutes, the caterpillar group will practice writing/tracing while butterflies have their reading lesson. The Apiary uses fun hands-on and outdoor reading activities. We focus on both reading mechanics (phonics, site words) and comprehension (critical thinking, reasoning). Parents will receive support and materials for any principles that need reinforcement or extra practice.
Free Play & Snack 10:15-10:35
Students have access to creative materials and play equipment and will have unstructured time to develop their creativity and social skills. Lunch and snack will be provided by parents.
Math 10:40-11:15
Students learn math in nature-based and practical ways. Like most of our lessons, students advance through the Virginia DOE kindergarten standards for math while having fun sensory experiences. Some examples: identifying shapes in a nature walk scavenger hunt, using tools such as rulers and thermometers to collect data, creating bead jewelry to practice patterns, or learning money and coins by playing shop.
Special Instruction 11:15-12:15
Special Instruction changes each day, and follows a general pattern based on the day of the week. Monday performing arts, Tuesday culture and cuisine, Wednesday science, and Thursday curriculum reinforcement. For more information, visit the special instruction page.
Free Play & Lunch 12:20-1:00