Friends School of Baltimore

Academic Program:

PreKindergarten to PreFirst

Organization

The Pre-Primary is divided into four main groups which adhere generally, but not always, to certain age and developmental patterns summarized as follows:

  • Pre-Kindergarten: Four-year-olds who are ready for an interactive learning experience.
  • Kindergarten: Five-year-olds who can respond positively to the individual challenges of structured learning within small groups.
  • Kindergarten/Pre-First: Five- and six-year-olds who are ready for more structured learning with some expectations for independence and initiative.
  • Pre-First: Six-year-olds who are ready for still more structured learning with slightly higher expectations for independence and initiative

Each group consists of 18 to 22 children and is led by a Head Teacher and an Associate Teacher. Three Part-Time Assistant Teachers help through the building.

Each group has two adjoining classrooms as their primary play and learning space.

Head teachers have attained a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and have had significant teaching experience. They are responsible for leading the classroom, developing the curriculum, communicating with parents in parent conferences and in written reports, participating in Faculty Meetings, workshops, continuing education and professional experiences, such as volunteering on NAIS school accreditation committees and conducting workshops. They are compensated for their years of experience and professional attainment at the same level as teachers in our Upper School with the same qualifications.

Associate Teachers must be college graduates. Some have a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and many have had significant teaching experience. They are responsible for carrying out the curriculum with the other teachers, leading the classroom in the Head Teacher's absence, teaching small groups and supporting the Head Teacher in all endeavors.

Part-Time Assistant Teachers must have a college degree. Many are experienced teachers who desire part-time employment. They are responsible for assisting the Head and Associate Teachers, often working with a small group of children in the classroom.

Daily Schedule

It is a busy and happy day that begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 2:30 PM. Most days include the following activities in varying blocks of time:

  • Teacher Directed Activities
    • In Pre-Kindergarten the teachers work with groups of three to five children
    • The three older groups are each divided into two sections; one section has Math while the other has Reading
    • Snack and Outdoor Recess
  • Group Gathering-for sharing and planning together
  • Special Area Subject-Art, Library, Music, Physical Education, and Science
  • Child Selected Activities-offerings vary and are chosen for their educational value in keeping with our goals
  • Lunch and Outdoor Recess
  • Rest with Music Appreciation or Literature

For the convenience of the parents, children may be dropped off at the Pre-Primary building as early as 7:30 AM. Also, an Extended Day program is available from 2:30 PM until 6:00 PM for an additional fee and has many variations to suit each families' schedules.

Special Area Subjects

Interspersed throughout this schedule of group activities are subjects taught by teachers from the Friends School community who are specialists in their particular field. They have attained an advanced degree in their field, or are currently pursuing one, and have had significant experience teaching young children.

Each of these teaching specialists has developed a specific curriculum that challenges and appeals to each Pre-Primary group and is the beginning of a continuum of study coordinated through the Lower, Middle and Upper School Divisions.

The Special Area Subjects are as follows:

  • Art (once a week)
  • Library (once a week)
  • Music (twice a week plus a sing-along)
  • Physical Education (twice a week)
  • Science (twice a week)

After an appropriate period of adjusting to school in the Fall, each group leaves its classroom accompanied by the teacher and walks across campus to attend many of these classes. Classes are held in the Lower School Art Studio, Library or Science Rooms, on the Athletic Fields or in the Gymnasiums, or in the Pre-Primary Multi-Purpose Room.

Friends School of Baltimore Since 1784 | 5114 North Charles Street | Baltimore, MD 21210 | 410.649.3200