Early Childhood (Preschool, JK, & K)
Loving to Learn Through Joyful Engagement
This is where the magic of learning begins.
At Carolina Day School, the early years are more than a starting point—they’re the foundation of a lifelong love of learning. From the joyful discovery of Preschool (age 3) to the purposeful beginnings of Junior Kindergarten (age 4) and the confident exploration of Kindergarten (age 5), each stage is intentionally designed to meet children where they are and guide them toward who they’re becoming.
In our Early Childhood classrooms, children are known, nurtured, and celebrated. They build friendships, take risks, and learn through play and inquiry—all within a warm, connected community that values curiosity, kindness, and wonder.
In addition to our robust academic curriculum, all grades in the Lower School experience include a rich co-curricular program: Spanish, art, music, STEM, physical education, and library. Interdisciplinary teaching methods are used to reinforce learning goals across our curriculum. Equally important is the emphasis we place on the social and emotional growth of students—our educators use the principles and practices from Responsive Classroom and the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence to create spaces in which young children's feelings are named, understood, and
Video: Early Childhood Education at CDS
Click to view the Lower School digital brochure.
Preschool: The First Steps of Wonder
For our youngest learners—three-year-olds just beginning their school adventure—Preschool offers a nurturing space where curiosity and play lead the way. Children are encouraged to explore, imagine, and connect, developing early social, emotional, and cognitive skills through meaningful experiences that feel like play—because they are.
why preschool matters
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Social–Emotional Roots: Children learn to share, express feelings, and build friendships that become the heart of their learning community.
- Play as Purpose: Every block tower, song, and storytime develops language, problem-solving, and self-confidence.
- The Joy of Routine: Gentle structure helps children feel secure while exploring independence for the first time.
- A Bridge for Growth: Families gain valuable insight into their child’s unique rhythms, preparing them for the exciting transition to Junior Kindergarten.
Looking Ahead
Now is the time to apply for Preschool! The 2026–2027 school year will be the final year of Preschool at Carolina Day. Beginning in 2027–2028, Junior Kindergarten will serve as the intentional entry point into a CDS education, carrying forward the same warmth, curiosity, and joy that make CDS a magical place to begin. Learn more.
Junior Kindergarten: Where the Journey Begins
At Carolina Day, we believe that early childhood education is more than preparation—it’s magic. Our Junior Kindergarten program is the entry point into a learning community that nurtures curiosity, builds trust, and empowers children to grow with confidence.
Here, childhood is honored as a season of wonder. We create a safe space where children can take risks, learn from mistakes, and “fail forward,” developing the resilience they’ll carry for a lifetime. With expert educators—specialists not only in early childhood, but across all levels—your child is guided with intention, joy, and care.
Why Junior Kindergarten Matters
- A Gentle Bridge: Meets children where they are, allowing them to master the milestones unique to being four.
- Hands-On Exploration: Trips around campus and experiential play connect learning to community.
- Trust + Risk-Taking: Students are encouraged to explore, wonder, and take safe risks—skills that fuel lifelong learning.
- Peer Modeling: Buddies and older students inspire belonging, empathy, and purpose.
- Seven Domains of Growth: Designed to nurture every facet of development—intellectual, emotional, physical, and social.
By the time students enter Kindergarten, they’ve developed stamina, confidence, and a deep sense of belonging—ready to thrive in the next stage of their Carolina Day journey.
Kindergarten: The Joy of Discovery
In Kindergarten, curiosity blossoms into confident exploration. Students move from imaginative play to purposeful inquiry, discovering how their questions can shape real understanding. Whether studying Antarctica and building their own research station or exploring nature on campus, children learn through hands-on, integrated experiences that connect thinking, doing, and wonder.
Why Kindergarten Matters
- Inquiry in Action: Students ask big questions—and find joy in discovering the answers.
- Emerging Independence: Guided by skilled teachers, children build resilience, focus, and self-direction.
- Collaboration + Confidence: Working and learning together fosters empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Real-World Connections: From science to storytelling, children see how learning relates to the larger world.
By the end of Kindergarten, Carolina Day students see themselves as thinkers, creators, and members of a caring community—ready to step forward with curiosity, compassion, and confidence.
Video: Antarctica Project
Kindergarten students study the continent of Antarctica and build a research station, sparking interest and better understanding of the larger world around them