Laying the Foundation
The Early Childhood Program at The Tatnall School balances character development with active exploration to encourage kind, thoughtful, curious individuals.
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Children in the PK3 program are nurtured to grow in their understanding of cooperation and friendship within a developmentally appropriate academic environment.
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At the PK4 level, the technologically-rich curriculum incorporates both structured and discovery-based learning experiences, adapted to each child’s needs. Children are introduced to key academic concepts and skill development in the areas of language arts, global studies, science, and math.
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When children reach Kindergarten, The Tatnall School builds upon the PK3 and PK4 curriculums, balancing social/emotional and academic development for the whole child to prepare students for the next step in the Lower School.
Tatnall’s Early Childhood Approach
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Developmentally appropriate curriculum in language arts, math, science, and global studies
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Learning balances structured instruction with exploration and discovery
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Small and whole-group instruction to enrich and support every child
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Responsive classroom approach at all grade levels
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Emotional intelligence curriculum and public speaking practice
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Outdoor learning and play every day
A Day in Early Childhood at Tatnall
7:30–8:00 a.m. Morning Extended Care
8:00–8:15 a.m. Arrival
8:20–8:30 a.m. Opening Exercises
12:30 p.m. Half-day Dismissal
2:45 p.m. Full-day Dismissal
3:00–6:00 p.m. Afternoon Extended Day
Values & Traditions
Developing a sense of community and experiencing authentic togetherness is a focal point of the Early Childhood program. From a very young age, our students learn the importance of character development and traditions.
Star Values
To ensure future success and happiness for all our students, our Star Values program supports the growth of children into kind and caring individuals. These values are incorporated into the overall Early Childhood curriculum and various activities and projects throughout the year. Star Values include nine different principles: Friendship, Thankfulness, Giving, Cooperation, Love, Honesty, Patience, Perseverance, and Pride.
Opening Exercises
Connecting with all Early Childhood students is at the heart of Tatnall’s longstanding tradition, Opening Exercises. A fun and motivational way to start each day, Opening Exercises serves as a quick gathering time for all Early Childhood faculty and students, which ultimately builds a strong sense of community between all age groups. Parents are welcome to join and watch their student sing the Good Morning song, recognize classmates birthdays and participate in charitable collections!
Traditional Events
The Early Childhood center has many traditions that involve family and teach students about the various holiday seasons. On Halloween, Tatnall's Early Childhood students dress up in their Halloween costumes and parade around the school after performing a Harvest Sing. The Early Childhood program also holds several Family Bagel Breakfasts throughout the school year, as well as a number of holiday performances and activities. The year concludes with a Family Fun Run, and all are invited to participate!
Star Values
To ensure future success and happiness for all our students, our Star Values program supports the growth of children into kind and caring individuals. These values are incorporated into the overall Early Childhood curriculum and various activities and projects throughout the year. Star Values include nine different principles: Friendship, Thankfulness, Giving, Cooperation, Love, Honesty, Patience, Perseverance, and Pride.
Opening Exercises
Connecting with all Early Childhood students is at the heart of Tatnall’s longstanding tradition, Opening Exercises. A fun and motivational way to start each day, Opening Exercises serves as a quick gathering time for all Early Childhood faculty and students, which ultimately builds a strong sense of community between all age groups. Parents are welcome to join and watch their student sing the Good Morning song, recognize classmates birthdays and participate in charitable collections!
Traditional Events
The Early Childhood center has many traditions that involve family and teach students about the various holiday seasons. On Halloween, Tatnall's Early Childhood students dress up in their Halloween costumes and parade around the school after performing a Harvest Sing. The Early Childhood program also holds several Family Bagel Breakfasts throughout the school year, as well as a number of holiday performances and activities. The year concludes with a Family Fun Run, and all are invited to participate!
Extended Day
The Tatnall School
The Tatnall School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in PK3 through Grade 12 located in Wilmington, Delaware.