At Friends Academy, our youngest students are an important and integral part of our school community. We offer full or half day pre-school, and full day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten.

Pre-School
Our pre-school class for 3 year olds offers an exciting "first school experience." The focus is on socialization, language, fine and gross motor skills, and conflict resolution. The pre-academic skills of number, color and letter recognition are introduced through a topic-based program. There is a great deal of time for play, in which children learn to share, take turns and resolve conflicts peacefully. Pre-school children participate in physical education, music, art and library classes.

Pre-Kindergarten
In our pre-k class for 4 year olds, the children develop their social skills, they are encouraged to use age-appropriate language to relate to others and they learn conflict resolution in a peaceful, nurturing environment.

Children are introduced to academics at this level. They learn the letters of the alphabet, upper and lower case, the sounds each letter makes, and the proper formation of the letters through the programs, Alpha Tales and Handwriting Without Tears. The building blocks on which future math skills are developed are introduced and reinforced in pre-kindergarten. In addition, students enjoy a complete science and social studies curriculum. The children explore various ways of expressing themselves through art, music,-p and movement, thereby developing fine and gross motor skills. Pre-kindergartners also participate in physical education, Quaker studies, library, and computers.

Kindergarten
The solid pre-academic foundation that is established in our pre-kindergarten program prepares the children for the challenge of rigorous, yet developmentally appropriate, instruction in reading, mathematics, science and social studies. Conflict resolution and peace-making skills remain a central theme in the kindergarten program, as well. Kindergartners also receive instruction in physical education, library, music, art, Quaker studies, and computers. Participation in service projects serves to broaden student awareness of the needs of others and the larger world around them.