Welcome to Kindergarten

Kindergarten is sure to be an exciting time as your child begins his or her official journey to becoming a lifelong learner. At HCA, we spend time encouraging positive social interactions among students, helping them become more independent throughout the school year, and fostering a classroom culture of kindness and respect. Kindergarten will be a year of tremendous academic growth.  You will see your child blossom into an early reader and writer, while also developing many essential math skills. We enjoy having fun in the classroom, but also know the importance of creating a structured and organized learning environment. Most importantly, students learn about Jesus and His love and purpose for their lives! 

"This is the best decision we have made in the life of our child, and we believe that God called us to be Heritage parents. Take a tour. Talk to the staff. See for yourself." 
- HCA Parent

Program Overview: Whole child approach

At Heritage, we glorify God together by equipping students to pursue Jesus and His purpose for their lives. Christ is reflected in equipping each aspect of the whole child: educational, spiritual, social, emotional, and physical development. Students are inspired to live, lead, and serve their community in a way that glorifies God. 


Social/Emotional Growth

Supported Transition
Kindergarten is a big change! We come alongside students with a graduated transition. We spend the first weeks of kindergarten establishing class culture and routines that lay the foundation for an amazing year.

We want our students to feel seen, known, and loved. When they understand routines and expectations, they become more confident and independent learners. Social-emotional maturity helps students access academic instruction.
Intentional Classrooms
Our kindergarten classrooms feature an 18:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Our administrative team prayerfully and intentionally creates well-balanced classrooms, taking into account peer considerations, teacher style, and student strengths/growth opportunities.

Our kindergarten teachers collaborate, and students enjoy interacting with students from the other class for PE, recess, and special activities and events.
Spotlights and Positive Reinforcement
Our teachers love to find opportunities to recognize what our students are doing well. Students are encouraged when teachers take the time to notice and appreciate their efforts to contribute to a positive learning environment. At Heritage, we emphasize that "mistakes are where the new learning goes," and we can all learn something new every day.

Each student has a spotlight week, during which they have the opportunity to share more about themselves with their classmates. Students develop self-confidence and appreciation for the beautiful uniqueness of their friends and peers.
Small Group Activities
From daily learning centers to planning and creating a class gingerbread house, there are numerous opportunities for peer interaction, collaboration, and teamwork. Students learn to work together, solve problems, and appreciate the unique strengths and ideas that others contribute.
Kindergarten Readiness
Social and emotional readiness is a much stronger predictor of success in academics and school than current academic ability.

The minimum age requirement for kindergarten is to turn five by August 31 of the academic year. However, our average starting age for kindergarten is closer to 5.5 to 6 years old. Many students benefit from enrolling in our Kindergarten Prep preschool program before starting kindergarten. We do not offer early admission into kindergarten.

“When a child enters kindergarten ready for school, there is an 82% chance they will master basic skills by age 11, compared with a 45% chance for children who are not school-ready.” (Pritzger Children’s Initiative Study)


Academic Growth

Learning to Read
At HCA, we believe that the focus in kindergarten through second grade is on "learning to read." By the time students reach third grade, they should be able to confidently "read to learn." The developmental continuum for children extends through early third grade. We are dedicated to meeting students at their current level and providing them with the support they need for growth and long-term success in school and beyond.

We offer a two-pronged approach that highlights the importance of both phonics and sight words as students develop their reading skills. Strength in one area can propel and support growth in the other.
i-Ready Learning Pathway
Students complete an objective diagnostic reading and math assessment at the beginning, middle, and end of the year. Following the diagnostic, an individualized learning pathway is created. This is the most tailored tool we can offer as a school, and students can access the pathway at home (the American Academy of Pediatrics does not consider academic learning tools like i-Ready as screen time).
Additional Classroom Academics
Students develop early math skills through basic number sense, math facts, and interactive learning centers. Science and social studies are taught as students journey together through the seasons.

Our students learn proper handwriting techniques from the beginning, which paves the way for beginning cursive in second grade. 
Weekly Specialists
Our students travel to specialists throughout the week:

Physical education (twice per week)
Music (twice per week)
Hand-on STEM/Computer Lab
Library
Recess (3 daily times: 15 minutes in the morning, 30 minutes after lunch, 15 minutes in the afternoon)


Spiritual Growth

Weekly Chapel
Kindergartners love chapel Wednesdays. Most weeks our kindergarten through fifth grade students join together for elementary chapel, featuring worship and a special speaker. We also love bringing the entire school for special combined chapels (i.e. Christmas, Easter, Veterans' Day).
Biblical Integration
While we have a wonderful kindergarten Bible curriculum, Jesus is part of our whole day at Heritage. As students learn their letters and sounds, they learn a memory verse with each one. When we discuss math and the world around us, we talk about how our amazing God makes all things work together for His good. Teachers take the time to listen, as well as pray for and with our students.
Character Trait Curriculum
Each month, we focus on a character trait. We discuss what it means to exhibit this trait, what the Bible says about it, and how Jesus demonstrated it. Students are given Guardian Badges on the spot when staff catch them showing those character traits. At the end of the month, we award students and staff who consistently shine the character trait with Philippians Awards at chapel. 

 "I’ve seen my children thrive not just in the classroom, but in character, confidence, and spiritual maturity. If you’re looking for a place where your child will be known, loved, and equipped to live out God’s purpose, Heritage is a beautiful choice."
- HCA Parent

supporting the kindergarten transition

At Heritage, we foster a three-way partnership: school, parents/guardians, and students. We all play an important role in growth and development, and we desire to see our students take on more and more of the responsibility as they age through our programs.

Here are some ways you can support your student in making a smooth transition into kindergarten and the elementary years. We don't expect complete mastery at this stage; instead, we will review and refine many of these skills together. These guidelines are intended to help introduce skills and concepts. 


Social/Emotional

Encourage independence
•Putting on coat
•Packing, zipping up, & carrying backpack
•Buckling seatbelt in the car
•Bathroom independence
•Eating meals and snacks with minimal support
•Practice multiple step directions
•Practice delayed gratification (find opportunities to have your child wait: delay responding if interrupting a conversation, have your child wait for you to do something)

Provide opportunities for socialization and structured environments
•Preschool programs with increased length as the student ages
•Playdates
•Church activities
•Clubs, sports, arts, clinics, summer camps

Plan ahead
•Plan to arrive on time every day
•Plan for consistent attendance


Academic

Encourage fine motor development
•Pencil grip (writing, coloring, drawing, cutting)
•Legos, puzzles, lacing cards
Letters and sounds
•Practice identifying and writing upper- and lower-case letters.
•Practice letter sounds.
Read, read, read!
•Reading to your child counts as reading!
•Avoid having your child try to read books that are too advanced or above his or her level. Studies show that when children attempt books above their reading level (especially if reading independently), they can develop bad habits and experience a decline in overall reading progress.
 
Number sense
Practice number identification, writing, and counting with manipulatives.

Join the Eagle Family!

We would love to welcome you! Discover what makes Kindergarten and all of our programs at Heritage so special!
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