We offer Early Preschool, Preschool, and Pre-Kindergarten programs at Mandala. We also offer a variety of specialized enrichment classes.
In the preschool, children are intentionally mixed in age at Work Time, following the tradition of Montessori classrooms, but they are placed with peers of their own age for Table Time learning and Small Group. Children remain with their same Small Group teacher throughout the year.
To view detailed information for our programs, please click the program titles.
COCOONS :: EARLY PRESCHOOL
Age 2 :: Class Duration: 3 Hrs
Student/Teacher Ratio: 4:1
Class Sessions Available: 2 days
The Early Preschool is a beginning class for older toddlers who turn two by September 1st. This is a small and gentle “starter” class that supports children growing at their own pace during their first school experience away from home. The focus is on mastering separation, early socialization, and language acquisition. Music, movement, and floor time play are strongly emphasized. Activities are simple and fun. Transitions are limited. Children are learning turn-taking, how to listen, to use gentle hands, and to let adults comfort them. Toilet-teaching is offered as a natural part of the day, so children do not need to be toilet-trained. The teachers in the Early Preschool are highly nurturing and loving. They are particularly sensitive to the needs of very young preschoolers. They follow the lead of individual children and will work with parents to provide a shorter day schedule to facilitate adjustment to school.
CATERPILLARS :: TRANSITIONAL PRESCHOOL
Age 2-3 :: Class Duration: 3 Hrs
Student/Teacher Ratio: 5:1
Class Sessions Available: 3 days
This is an introductory preschool class for older Two’s and young Three’s. It is perfect for the young preschooler who will benefit from a smaller, less-overwhelming learning environment with closer attention from adults. The classroom is enriched with hands-on learning activities as well as age-appropriate Montessori materials that encourage curiosity and creativity, with many opportunities for interactive play. Teachers focus on enhancing communication. Children are learning to share, follow rules, participate in a group, build self-control, establish relationships, communicate their needs, and strengthen their independence. They are able to move about in two large rooms and the patio work area. The teachers work closely with children during floor time, facilitating learning and play. Many in this group are still mastering toileting, so children need not be toilet-trained.
LADYBUGS :: MORNING PRESCHOOL
Age 3-5 :: Class Duration: 3 Hrs
Student/Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Class Sessions Available: 2-3-5 days
Children need to be three years old by September 1st to attend this traditional Montessori preschool class. Offered in the mornings, it is the perfect class is for the child who is developmentally ready for more choice, more transitions, and additional classmates in a larger learning environment. Children are learning academics through self-organizing Montessori materials that teach math, language, reading and writing through whole-body learning experiences. They are also learning important social-emotional and regulation skills necessary for school success: how to take initiative with peers, engage in cooperative play, manage their impulses, follow instructions, share thoughts and feelings, and negotiate conflicts.
DRAGONFLIES :: EXPANDED DAY PRESCHOOL
Age 3½-4 (Preschool) & Age 4-5 (Pre-Kindergarten) :: Class Duration: 6 Hrs
Student/Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Class Sessions Available: 2, 3 & 5 days
This is the perfect class for the preschooler who is ready for a longer school day or the child who is going on to kindergarten the following year. It offers longer hours to build on and expand the social, emotional, and academic skills that children are acquiring in the Ladybug classes. The Dragonflies are divided into two different strands: (1) the Preschoolers who are ready for more concentrated learning, and (2) the Pre-Kindergarteners who are preparing for kindergarten. The two strands meet separately for their group learning. After lunch, the children spend time with teacher-led presentations, working with advanced Montessori materials in language, math, and social studies. They also have an opportunity for enrichment activities in literacy, science, movement, art, and fine-motor practice. Activities in this class are geared for more creative problem-solving and more cooperative social experiences.