Private Kindergarten Program

Barnhart School prides itself in being one of the top private kindergarten programs in the San Gabriel Valley. Our small class sizes and focus on social emotional learning prepare your child for a graceful transition into elementary school. 

One of the Top Private Kindergartens in the Pasadena Area

At Barnhart, we believe all our students are capable of being difference makers in the world around them. While we know that academic success is essential for them to prepare for the future, we also know that who they are and how they treat others is equally important to their growth and development.

Preparing Your Child For Success In Elementary School

Our kindergarten program is designed to grow your child's academic skills while also emphasizing playfulness, social skills, and the problem solving skills needed to ease their transition into first grade. Barnhart's low student-to-teacher ratio enables us to provide small group and individualized instruction to meet the unique needs and abilities of all kindergarten students.

 

 

Key Components of Our Curriculum Include:

• Language Arts/Literacy: At Barnhart we use a comprehensive reading program that includes guided reading, shared reading, leveled books, and reading comprehension skills. The Teacher's College Reading and Writing Project, pioneered by Lucy Calkins (at Columbia University) provides the cornerstone of our writing instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade. Our students learn the craft of writing through an emphasis on personal narrative writing in which they rely on their personal experiences and knowledge base. 
• Mathematics: Starting in kindergarten, Math instruction focuses on complex thinking, problem solving, and collaborative "games" to motivate learning through the Everyday Mathematics curriculum. This program, developed through the University of Chicago School of Mathematics Project (UCSMP), is a well-researched approach to math instruction that distributes the learning of concepts over time. These applied mathematics programs help our students more fully understand mathematical concepts and theories through direct application and use of concepts. We encourage divergent thinking and multiple approaches to problem solving.
• Science: Our science program plays an integral role in our curriculum in elementary school. Science units focus on life, earth, and physical sciences and also provide opportunities for experiments and hands-on learning. In the spring, students of all grade levels participate in our annual STEAM Celebration. This is a weeklong celebration where students explore the beauty of science and math within our world by experiencing interactive workshops with experts and interacting with student led projects.
• Social Studies: The Social Studies units in elementary school begin with a focus on community, culture, and geographic elements. 

Above & Beyond Child Development

Throughout the school year, we keep your child engaged with a curriculum that embodies cognitive development, social-emotional learning and physical education. We also have a team of specialists that provide enriching and exploratory classes such as music, Spanish, art, and technology. Our Kindergartners use iPads as an integral part of their education so they begin to learn to love information discovery and skills. 

Visiting Barnhart School

As a school that has been shaping the future for over 60 years, we know that finding the "right fit" school for your child is important for your child's success. We are delighted to have the opportunity to share our school with you as you explore the many educational options in the San Gabriel Valley. Please know we are here to help you navigate the admissions process, and if you have any questions along the way, just let our team know.

rEquest for information