Preschool & Kindergarten
Preschool & Kindergaten
In Italian, “Casa” means “house”. In this carefully prepared home away from home, children experience a nurturing environment that encourages resourcefulness, respect, and responsibility. Our preschool and kindergarten program follows the Montessori curriculum and emphasizes the importance of Christ in everything we do.
PROGRAM OPTIONS
Preschool
Every morning, Casa students have an uninterrupted work time where they can freely choose their work. Montessori-trained teachers guide and introduce new ideas and activities, helping students develop independence, respect, and responsibility. During lunchtime, children practice the grace and courtesy skills they have learned. Preschool children take a midday nap while older children have a rest to recharge before continuing their exploration of the learning environment. Afternoons also offer the opportunity for open-ended playtime.
Kindergarten
Children, ages 5 and 6, spend the morning in Casa and then eat lunch, where grace and manners are emphasized. In the afternoon, individualized lessons in language and mathematics are expanded using Kinesthetic materials. This enables the child to enjoy and explore the world, completely understand various operations and result in math and language concepts being easily attainable.
AREAS OF LEARNING
FAITH
Faith is an integral part of a child’s experience at Hand in Hand. Each environment includes an “Atrium.” This carefully prepared space houses an altar, sacred work, and biblical stories. We present stories and lessons to help the children know God and the way he wants us to live. We emphasize the Word and worship through which children can express their faith in Christ.
Practical Life
Practical life activities are purposeful and aim to develop motor control, coordination, independence, concentration, and a sense of responsibility. Children refine these areas by learning everyday life skills such as plant care, food preparation, and environmental care.
Math
Montessori math materials are designed to provide children with hands-on, visual, and tactile learning aids. These materials offer concrete knowledge of abstract concepts, enabling students to gain a deeper understanding.
Language Arts
Montessori language materials are designed for children to explore the intricacies of written and spoken language. These materials help students master letter sounds, handwriting, and eventually, reading, spelling, and writing.
Cultural Studies
Montessori’s Cultural Subjects include geography, history, and science. They foster an early interest in learning about the world, including natural wonders, people, history, culture, music, and art. Through cultural studies, Casa children can “travel” and explore the world within the learning environment.
Sensorial
Sensorial materials allow children to engage with the world around them through sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. These materials enable children to explore different properties of materials, such as size, shape, color, sound, similarities, and differences, using their senses.
WHAT THE HAND DOES THE MIND REMEMBERS.
DR. MARIA MONTESSORI
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What are your school hours?Office hours: 8:00AM - 4:00PM Infant and toddler program hours: 7:30AM - 5:30PM School-age hours: School day: 8:30AM - 3:30PM Before care: 7:30AM - 8:30AM After care: 3:30PM - 5:30PM
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Do you offer before and after school care?Yes, we offer before and after care for our school-aged (preschool - 6th grade) program, called playcare. Before care hours are from 7:30AM - 8:30AM and after care hours are from 3:30PM - 5:30PM. Playcare is available for all school days. Alternative care is not offered on days with early dismissal or other non-school days, such as holidays, breaks, and conference days.
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Do you offer bus transportation?Highcroft does not currently offer bus transportation. For the 2024 - 25 school year, Highcroft will offer transportation from our Bloomington campus.
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Do you require uniforms?Yes, HIHCM requires a simple uniform. Our simple uniforms are beneficial because they ... Promote cohesiveness in the student body. Schools nationwide are welcoming diversity into their student body, with a wide range of backgrounds and different economic status. At Highcroft, we strive to create an environment where all children feel welcome and safe. Provide an appropriate standard of dress. Uniforms offer an added layer of protection for the children and staff by ensuring all clothing is appropriate for school. Reduce the cost of "school clothes." Families may purchase uniforms from the store of their choosing. Affordable options include: School uniform sales, Target, Old Navy, Children's Place, used clothing stores, and many other retail options. Allow younger children the opportunity for independence by dressing themselves. Children often find it is easier to have only a few options to select from that are school appropriate, as some children get overwhelmed by having to choose from a large selection. Help eliminate distractions. Wearing a uniform helps to eliminate distractions caused by current fashion trends.
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Do you have required homework?Preschool and Kindergarten: there is no required homework, but parents are encouraged to read with their children or have them read to you. Elementary (1st - 6th grade): there is no required homework, but children are encouraged to read and practice math facts daily. On occasion, there may be an assignment that the parents are requested to assist with at home. Highschool: each day there is required homework, although there is an open hour where students are encouraged to complete their homework. Generally, the students complete most of their homework at school or have minimal homework.
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Do you offer a foreign language?Latin is infused into core lessons in 1st - 6th grade. French or Spanish is offered as an elective in 7th grade and up.
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Does HIHCM complete standardized testing?All K - high school students enrolled in our 5-day academy complete a yearly standardized test. Homeschool students have the option of completing the standardized test through HIHCM or independently. Standardized tests give feedback to teachers, administrators, students and parents and help them further support the students needs.
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Is technology used?Preschool - Kindergarten: During the school day children do not use technology in the classroom Elementary 1st - 6th grade: Students have minimal access to Chromebooks for supporting their learning. The main use of technology is for research and typing. Highschool: Students either have their own laptop or have access to a school Chromebook when needed to complete an assignment. It is a secondary learning tool as technology is not the primary source of learning. The school highly values safety when using technology and have applications in place to ensure safe technology use.
A day in CASA ...
Children preschool through kindergarten are invited to work with the Montessori curriculum in a Christian context. Trained teachers give engaging lessons on a daily basis to help children grow in independence and abilities.
Mornings in the Casa involve an uninterrupted work time where children move freely from one presentation to another. After they will eat lunch where grace and manners are emphasized. Then, they will have a quiet siesta where stories will be read to them. Afternoons are spent in the outdoor environment or our indoor play space. Older children will receive enrichment lessons in language and mathematics learning extensions of the kinesthetic materials. This enables the child to enjoy and explore the world, completely understand various operations which result in math and language concepts being easily attainable.
