Kindergarten or Eagle Explorers: Where Do We Start?
When is the Best Time to Start Your Child's Educational Journey?
Choosing the right time to begin your child’s educational journey can be a daunting decision for many parents—especially those with children whose birthdays fall in the late spring, summer, or early fall. Should your child be one of the oldest in their grade or one of the youngest? Should they begin Kindergarten immediately, or would an additional year of nurture and play ensure your child is developmentally ready to succeed? At Caldwell, we recognize that choosing the right time to start school is not just about age or academic skills—it’s about ensuring your child is developmentally ready for the challenges ahead.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Child
While many schools base Kindergarten placement primarily on a child’s age, our focus is on the child’s overall development. We want each student to be set up for success— socially, emotionally, and academically–throughout their entire educational journey, from Kindergarten to 12th grade. A developmental screening is one tool that assists in this placement.
While many schools base Kindergarten placement primarily on a child’s age, our focus is on the child’s overall development. We want each student to be set up for success— socially, emotionally, and academically–throughout their entire educational journey, from Kindergarten to 12th grade. A developmental screening is one tool that assists in this placement.
What is the Difference Between Kindergarten and Eagle Explorers?
Our Kindergarten curriculum is more structured and academically oriented, featuring clearer expectations. In Eagle Explorers, we place a strong emphasis on social and emotional development. Our motto is "No worries!" We are dedicated to nurturing each child's confidence and preparing them for school. When a child transitions from Eagle Explorers to Kindergarten, we ensure a smooth continuation of the solid foundation built in the Eagle Explorers program.
Curriculum
Early Literacy
The curriculum is designed to set a solid foundation for early literacy taught in a playful, engaging manner by exploring one letter of the alphabet each week. Eagle Explorers learn about letter formation through fun crafts and hands-on activities, laying the groundwork for reading and writing. In addition, students learn essential future writing skills: top-to-bottom and left-to-right strokes.
The curriculum is designed to set a solid foundation for early literacy taught in a playful, engaging manner by exploring one letter of the alphabet each week. Eagle Explorers learn about letter formation through fun crafts and hands-on activities, laying the groundwork for reading and writing. In addition, students learn essential future writing skills: top-to-bottom and left-to-right strokes.
Mathematics: Eagle Explorers students begin by exploring shapes, patterns, and colors. They also explore numeracy through the use of manipulatives.
Bible
Bible stories are also an important part of the Eagle Explorers curriculum, providing children with a foundation for moral and spiritual development.
Bible stories are also an important part of the Eagle Explorers curriculum, providing children with a foundation for moral and spiritual development.
Emphasis on Social-Emotional Development
Children in Eagle Explorers are gaining more than just academic skills; they are also developing essential social skills that will help them thrive in the future. Our primary focus in Eagle Explorers is to help children feel comfortable in a school environment while teaching them how to follow directions and interact effectively with their peers.
Children in Eagle Explorers are gaining more than just academic skills; they are also developing essential social skills that will help them thrive in the future. Our primary focus in Eagle Explorers is to help children feel comfortable in a school environment while teaching them how to follow directions and interact effectively with their peers.
What Developmental Differences Exist Between Eagle Explorers and Kindergarten Students?
Eagle Explorers (4 ½ - 5 ½)
- Teaching is based on love, patience, and nurturing
- Focuses on playfulness and simplicity.
- Emphasis on keeping things engaging and fun.Children’s brains are still developing complex skills.Tasks are simpler, with a focus on engagement rather than structure.
- Abstract academic concepts are not yet a primary focus.
- Less emphasis on executive function and multi-step directions.
Kindergarten
- Teaching is based on love, patience, and nurture
- Demands are higher with a greater focus on structure.
- Emphasis on developing executive function (ability to follow multi-step directions).
More academic structure, such as letter recognition and phonics. - Children are expected to manage abstract concepts in writing and math.
- Skills like multi-step directions and academic concepts are emphasized more than playfulness.
- Development of academic foundations becomes more formalized.
Defining a "Successful" Early Education Experience
Caldwell Academy defines a successful early education experience as helping children become independent, confident, and comfortable in their school environment. In Eagle Explorers, if we can help children learn to have respectful conversations, take turns, follow simple instructions, and navigate social situations, we’ve done our job. Academic success will come, but social-emotional development is the foundation that will put them on the path to success.
Caldwell Academy defines a successful early education experience as helping children become independent, confident, and comfortable in their school environment. In Eagle Explorers, if we can help children learn to have respectful conversations, take turns, follow simple instructions, and navigate social situations, we’ve done our job. Academic success will come, but social-emotional development is the foundation that will put them on the path to success.
The Benefits of an Extra Year in Eagle Explorers
Parents often worry that an extra year in Eagle Explorers might lead to boredom or a lack of challenge for their child. However, we have experienced the opposite. Many families look back on their child’s experience in Eagle Explorers and share how grateful they are for giving their child the additional year; the gift of time. Children who aren’t developmentally ready for Kindergarten may struggle more, leading to frustration.
Parents often worry that an extra year in Eagle Explorers might lead to boredom or a lack of challenge for their child. However, we have experienced the opposite. Many families look back on their child’s experience in Eagle Explorers and share how grateful they are for giving their child the additional year; the gift of time. Children who aren’t developmentally ready for Kindergarten may struggle more, leading to frustration.
In Eagle Explorers, children beginning to learn how to read are also developing important skills such as fine motor control and proper pencil grip. The diverse range of skills they practice—including hand-eye coordination, following teacher instructions, and social interaction—ensures they remain engaged and continue to grow.
What Happens When a Child Is Not Ready for Kindergarten?
When a child is not developmentally ready for kindergarten, it often becomes apparent within the first few months. They may struggle to keep up with their peers, particularly with basic tasks such as recognizing sight words, understanding letter sounds, and following multi-step directions. Over time, this can lead to frustration, behavioral issues, and a decline in confidence.
When a child is not developmentally ready for kindergarten, it often becomes apparent within the first few months. They may struggle to keep up with their peers, particularly with basic tasks such as recognizing sight words, understanding letter sounds, and following multi-step directions. Over time, this can lead to frustration, behavioral issues, and a decline in confidence.
Year after year, the extra year in Eagle Explorers helps children build the confidence and skills necessary for a smoother and more successful transition into Kindergarten.
Make an Informed Decision
Deciding whether your child should start kindergarten or take an additional year in Eagle Explorers is a personal choice. By evaluating your child's developmental needs and recognizing the advantages of the Eagle Explorers program, you can make an informed decision that will provide them with a successful and enjoyable learning experience at Caldwell Academy.
Deciding whether your child should start kindergarten or take an additional year in Eagle Explorers is a personal choice. By evaluating your child's developmental needs and recognizing the advantages of the Eagle Explorers program, you can make an informed decision that will provide them with a successful and enjoyable learning experience at Caldwell Academy.
Contact Us
Located in Greensboro, N.C., Caldwell Academy is a private, classical Christian day school for grades TK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program taught from a Christ-centered worldview, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
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