Programs & Curriculum

Our preschool program uses Tools of the Mind, a comprehensive curriculum designed to help young learners develop self-regulation—the foundational skill for success in school and life. Tools pairs neuroscience research with developmental theory to create learning experiences where children build executive function skills while engaging in meaningful academic and social activities.

Through intentional make-believe play, peer partnerships, and carefully designed learning activities, students develop the ability to plan, focus attention, control impulses, and work collaboratively with others. Children learn academic content in literacy, mathematics, science, and the arts while simultaneously developing the skills they need to become successful, motivated learners. Teachers use unique instructional practices that build inclusive, regulated classroom communities where every child reaches their full potential.

The program is aligned with the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards, ensuring that students develop skills across all domains including language and literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, creative arts, social-emotional development, and physical development.

Learn more about Tools of the Mind

Students in kindergarten and first grade develop foundational reading and writing skills through a comprehensive literacy program that combines Being a Reader and Being a Writer from Collaborative Classroom with Fundations.

Being a Reader uses a workshop approach where students engage with high-quality literature, build comprehension strategies, and develop a love of reading through read-alouds, guided reading, and independent reading time. Being a Writer helps students see themselves as writers from the earliest stages, guiding them through the writing process and helping them express their ideas with increasing clarity and confidence. Fundations provides systematic phonics instruction that teaches students to decode words and builds the foundational skills needed for reading fluency.

Students work in literacy centers where they practice skills independently and collaboratively while teachers provide small group instruction tailored to each student's reading level and needs. Students who need additional support in reading have access to pull-out intervention services during the school day and an after-school reading program that provides focused instruction to build literacy skills.

Together, these components create a balanced literacy approach where students develop strong reading comprehension, writing skills, and phonics knowledge while receiving the differentiated support they need to grow as readers and writers.

Schoenly students begin to develop their mathematical understanding and problem-solving skills through the Go Math curriculum. Go Math provides a balanced approach to mathematics instruction where students build conceptual understanding, develop procedural fluency, and apply mathematical thinking to real-world situations.

Students work in math centers where they practice skills and explore mathematical concepts through hands-on activities and games. Teachers provide small group instruction tailored to each student's learning needs, allowing for targeted support and extension opportunities. This approach ensures that all students receive instruction at the appropriate level of challenge while building confidence and competence in mathematics.

Students develop scientific thinking and understanding through hands-on learning experiences using the FOSS (Full Option Science System) curriculum and Carolina science materials.

FOSS engages students in active investigations where they observe real-world phenomena, conduct experiments, and record findings in science notebooks. Students explore life science, earth science, and physical science concepts through hands-on activities that build scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Carolina materials provide phenomenon-based learning experiences with high-quality investigation tools and resources. Students use scientific equipment to gather data, test ideas, and develop explanations based on evidence.

Together, these programs create an inquiry-based science approach where students act as scientists, asking questions, conducting investigations, and making sense of the world around them. Students build deep understanding of science concepts while developing the critical thinking and scientific literacy skills they need for future learning.

In addition to their core academic instruction, students participate in music, art, library, and physical education classes throughout the week. These classes provide opportunities for students to explore creativity, develop physical skills, discover new interests, and build well-rounded learning experiences that complement their classroom instruction.