Academics

Early Childhood

 
Our Early Childhood curriculum encompasses a comprehensive program that integrates instruction across all developmental domains and early learning disciplines.  It will allow our teachers to differentiate instruction, assess progress and make learning enjoyable while tapping into a child’s nature. Our curriculum will allow for growth in social-emotional learning, cognitive development, early literacy, mathematical thinking, and exploration through art, music, and creative movement.

 
Our teachers use their knowledge, experience, creativity, and skills as professionals to bring our curriculum alive in their classroom and ensure that each student is a fully-engaged learner.

ShaRonda Sandidge, Head of Early Childhood Education

"Our young learners are provided with the opportunity to engage in daily enriching activities and lessons that are focused on exploring the world we live in.

Each individual student's unique experience is supported by a team of knowledgeable educators who are dedicated to empower each child to reach their full potential through intentional play and skill building instruction."
 

Early Childhood Office

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of ShaRonda Sandidge

    ShaRonda Sandidge 

    Head of Early Childhood Education
  • Photo of Elizabeth Hagen

    Elizabeth Hagen 

    Assistant Head of Early Childhood Education

Curriculum and Sample Schedule

Since our founding in 1971, The New School has provided a creative curriculum for Early Childhood Education. Our students' day is a balance of child-initiated and teacher-directed activities. Aligned with our own creative curriculum, Frogstreet, Heggerty, and Handwriting Without Tears curricula are utilized to further enhance our unique program, continuing to set our students apart.

List of 2 items.

  • Sample Schedule

    Below is a sample schedule for our Early Childhood program. This will vary by the classroom and age.

    Sample Schedule

    7:30-8:30      Arrival/Centers
    8:30-9:00      Breakfast
    9:00-9:30      Language Discovery & Art Studio | M & W & F
                            Music & Outdoor Exploration | T & TH
    9:30-10:00     Recess
    10:00-10:30   Morning Meeting/Centers
    10:30-11:30    Small Groups/Centers
    11:30-12:00    Music and Movement
    12:00-2:00     Rest Time
    2:00-2:30       Centers
    2:30-2:45       Snack
    2:45-3:15        Recess
    3:15-3:30        Goodbye Circle Time
    3:30-5:30       After-Care/Departure
  • Curriculum

    • Social-Emotional Development with Conscious Discipline
    • Language and Literacy
    • Gross Motor Development
    • Fine Motor Development
    • STEAM 
    • Social Studies
    • Music and Outdoor Exploration
Northwest Arkansas' Premier Independent School
Empowering students age one through grade 12