kindergarten

At Brandeis Marin, our Kindergarten program is built on strong academic foundations while remaining developmentally responsive to young learners. We intentionally nurture the skills children need to develop academic fluency in reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking, recognizing that students grow at different paces. Our goal is to move each child forward as far as possible in every area of the curriculum.

Early literacy is a cornerstone of our Kindergarten program. We use Fundations, a research-based, multisensory reading program aligned with the Science of Reading, to provide explicit instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, spelling, handwriting, and early reading skills. Daily literacy instruction builds accuracy, confidence, and strong habits of mind, while ongoing reading and writing experiences foster a love of language and storytelling.

In mathematics, we use Bridges in Mathematics, a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes number sense, addition and subtraction, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving. Students engage in hands-on activities, math discourse, and practice that build both conceptual understanding and fluency.

Our academic program is further strengthened through project-based learning, which allows students to apply skills across disciplines in meaningful, real-world contexts. While our approach is informed by child-centered and inquiry-based practices (including elements inspired by Reggio Emilia), learning is carefully planned, teacher-guided, and anchored in clear academic outcomes.

Projects often serve as a bridge between subjects. A block-building project, for example, may become the foundation for mathematical exploration, creative writing, measurement, and storytelling. Students regularly write about their projects, strengthening literacy skills while reflecting on their thinking and problem-solving processes.

Kindergartners also explore the scientific world through structured investigation and discovery. Students conduct age-appropriate experiments, practice observation and record-keeping, and engage in collaborative discussion. Ongoing exposure to animals—including caring for classroom pets and school chickens—supports learning about biology, responsibility, and empathy. Our outdoor campus provides daily opportunities to explore plants, insects, and natural systems, reinforcing scientific curiosity and environmental stewardship.

Creativity, collaboration, and innovation are woven throughout the Kindergarten experience. These elements complement—rather than replace—our academic goals. Students leave Kindergarten as confident early readers, capable mathematicians, thoughtful writers, and curious learners, well prepared for the academic expectations of Grade 1 and beyond.

Kindergarten is a pivotal time for students to develop the social and emotional skills that support successful collaboration and independent learning. Through daily classroom routines and structured class meetings, students practice expressing ideas, needs, and concerns clearly while also listening thoughtfully to the perspectives of others. We intentionally teach skills such as sharing, turn-taking, problem-solving, and self-advocacy in a respectful, judgment-free environment. Our social-emotional curriculum is strengthened through the Wayfinder program, developed by Stanford’s d.school, which helps students build self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and a sense of purpose—skills that directly support academic engagement and lifelong learning.

Jewish values are the cornerstone of our school culture and are woven throughout everyday learning. Kindness, integrity, service, personal responsibility, and social justice guide both classroom interactions and curricular experiences. Students learn foundational Torah stories and celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays through hands-on projects, cooking, music, and the arts, while also developing a meaningful and usable Hebrew vocabulary. Alongside our Jewish studies, students explore cultures beyond their own, fostering global awareness, respect for diversity, and an appreciation for multiple perspectives. Judaism is experienced in full living color—joyful, inclusive, and deeply connected to students’ growing sense of self and community.

Our kindergarten teaches organization and routines even as it celebrates wonder and seeks to find joy in each day. It is a special place to explore, invent, experiment and grow. The flexible learning environment of our kindergarten allows teachers to respond to the interests of the children so they can construct their own knowledge. There is no better foundation for a life of learning!

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone—for kids and parents. Our goal is to help your child feel safe, confident, and excited as they step into this new adventure. Children are wonderful emotional detectives, often picking up on how we’re feeling, so a calm, positive approach (even if you’re secretly nervous) helps set the tone. It’s okay—and normal—for children to have questions or worries. Talking them through together builds trust and confidence.

Give your child space to share their feelings in whatever way works best—talking, drawing, storytelling, or even acting it out with toys. Reading books about starting school, visiting campus, and meeting teachers ahead of time can make kindergarten feel familiar before the first day. These experiences help children build emotional awareness, flexibility, and resilience, all key parts of our social-emotional curriculum.

Independence and social skills matter, too. Practicing things like dressing independently, asking for help, sharing, and working through small conflicts helps children feel capable in the classroom. Summer playdates, camps, and time with future classmates support connection, empathy, and collaboration—and make that first day a little less intimidating.

Finally, routines are your secret superpower. Consistent bedtimes, daily reading, and calm mornings go a long way. Let your child help choose their backpack or lunchbox (yes, even the sparkly one). Keep schedules light at the beginning of the year and trust that a few hugs, a confident goodbye, and maybe a lunchbox love note will carry them through.

Kindergarten Readiness: A Simple Family Checklist
✔ Talk about kindergarten with curiosity and optimism
✔ Listen and validate feelings (big or small)
✔ Read books about starting school
✔ Visit the school or playground when possible
✔ Practice independent dressing and toileting
✔ Encourage sharing, turn-taking, and asking for help
✔ Support problem-solving and emotional regulation
✔ Arrange summer playdates or attend school camps
✔ Establish consistent bedtime and morning routines
✔ Read together every day
✔ Let your child help choose school items
✔ Keep after-school plans light at first