Explore your curiosities 
Preprimary: Grades JK3, JK4 and SK5
At ULS, our Preprimary students are respected as capable, curious, and inquisitive. Teachers encourage students to observe, question, hypothesize and experiment in meaningful investigations. Students use the strategies of mathematicians, scientists, authors, and artists – learning extends far beyond basic skills.
Inherent in learning at the Preprimary level is the intention behind our environments, our acknowledgment of the whole child as a learner, and the value of community.
Reggio Emilia Approach
University Lake School’s Preprimary programs are inspired by the internationally recognized Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood and preschool education which fosters:
- The interests of each child
- In-depth investigations
- Collaborative group work
- Dramatic play
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Environment as the third teacher
- Emergent curriculum
- Parents are partners in education
Because they are encouraged to observe, question, hypothesize and experiment in authentic, meaningful investigations, the children’s learning extends far beyond basic skills.
Outdoor Learning
Learning outdoors brings out the best in children by enhancing vital attributes of the learning process: awareness, curiosity, observation, risk assessment, problem-solving, dexterity, resilience, cooperation, independence, confidence, and joy. We value time away from screens and have discovered that our explorations outdoors promote both contemplation and community. It has been a quiet foundation of superior academic experiences at ULS for many generations. The youngest learners become immersed in a culture of wonder, adventure, and discovery.
OPPORTUNITIES
Half day: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Full day: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
JK3 (3 years olds*)
3-day option: half or full day (M/W/F)
5-day option: half or full day
The JK3 program at University Lake School offers two exciting classrooms to choose from: Forest and Prairie (details below). Both the Forest and Prairie classrooms embrace the philosophy that children learn best in a natural environment.
JK4 (4 year olds*)
5-day option: half or full day
SK5 (5 year olds*)
5-day full day: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
*Must be 3, 4 or 5 years old by September 1st of the enrolling year and potty trained and self-sufficient in the bathroom.
JK3 Program at ULS
The JK3 Forest and Prairie Classrooms embrace the philosophy that children learn best in a natural environment. There are intentional commonalities and differences in each classroom that ensure every single one of our three-year-old learners will thrive. Through the Reggio-Emilia inspired approach, all children experience music and fine arts, emergent literacy explorations, and regular exposure to all learning domains (science, math, social studies, social-emotional).
The options for both classrooms are: 5 full or half days or 3 full or half days, MWF.
Applying to the Preprimary Program
Each classroom in the preprimary program is limited in capacity. We strive to focus on the individual experiences of students and their classmates. Intentional classroom sizing and thoughtful teacher ratios are foundational elements of academic and social-emotional success at ULS. Therefore, spaces in the program are not guaranteed until the enrollment process is fully complete.
Start the application process by clicking the Apply button below.
