Early Learning
Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten
Early Learning
In our Early Learning classrooms, an emergent, play-based curriculum flows from the personal experiences of each child and is supported by the faculty and classroom community. We strive to strengthen the child’s sense of self so that they will learn to work cooperatively as well as independently in the world. Our focus is on the rich and varied curriculum that will engage each child’s attention and ease the initial separation between parent and child. We focus on the overarching commitment to the social-emotional growth of each child. We ensure large, uninterrupted blocks of time for open-ended indoor and outdoor play. The environment is designed to invite discovery, independence, and social interaction.
Preschool
4-Day Program for Children Aged 3*
Our 4-day program nurtures a child’s imagination, stories, interests, and social relationships. We believe this is essential to children’s development. Rooted in play, our preschool program incorporates a multicultural curriculum that introduces students to early literacy and numeracy while nurturing lifelong skills of sharing, persistence, and creativity.
*Must be 3 by September 1st.
Preschool
5-Day Program for Children Aged 3*
Starting this fall, we’re excited to offer an optional fifth day for children enrolled in our 3-year-old program. Each Friday, students can join the Project & Play Lab—a joyful and enriching extension of their weekly learning that brings a fresh rhythm and unique experiences. This isn’t just a bonus day; it’s a thoughtfully designed opportunity that aligns with our mission to nurture confident, curious, and compassionate learners. With space to wonder, build, imagine, and connect, children will engage in developmentally rich activities that are full of joy and discovery.
Fridays will be dedicated to big ideas and creative exploration, where children dive into open-ended projects that span building, painting, storytelling, nature play, and more. It's a time for deep engagement, imaginative collaboration, and meaningful play. Families can choose between two program options:
Half-Day (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM) or Full-Day (8:30 AM – 2:30 PM).
To ensure consistency and allow us to staff and plan thoughtfully, the 4.5 and 5 day programs require an upfront commitment for the full year.
Before and aftercare will also be available on Fridays for those enrolled in the full-day program who need extended care, at the usual additional cost but please note that aftercare will not be available for the half-day program.
*Must be 3 by September 1st.
Pre-Kindergarten
5-Day Program for Children Aged 4*
Our 5-day, Pre-K program fosters collaboration, problem solving, listening, and academic skills through play. The emergent, project-based curriculum lays an important foundation for our students' future learning at Marylhurst and beyond. Pre-K students help design their own learning journey, as class themes emerge from their collective interests. While investigating those themes, the teachers interweave literacy, numeracy, design technology, and problem solving organically into the students' work. Children in Pre-K participate in physical education, Spanish, and music classes and have the opportunity to join in extra-curricular activities. They have multiple opportunities to collaborate and play with children in other grades creating a rich and purposeful learning experience. The Pre-K program is designed to ensure a smooth transition into our kindergarten progressive education program.
*Must be 4 by September 1st.