Kindergarten marks an important transition, where curiosity develops into inquiry and children begin connecting their discoveries to the wider world.
At TNCS, growth in kindergarten is nurtured through small classes, close teacher relationships, and an environment that blends Montessori principles with meaningful, hands-on academics. Together, these experiences help children develop into confident, compassionate learners ready for the challenges and joys of the elementary years.
We ignite children’s natural curiosity with activities and lessons that are relevant to their lives.
Montessori Roots, Growing Independence
Kindergarten is a year of big growth—academically, socially, and emotionally—as children gain confidence and independence. At TNCS, teachers build on the Montessori foundations developed in preschool to help accelerate growth.
TNCS teachers know each student well. Through individualized instruction, active exploration, and purposeful routines, your child learns to take initiative, work collaboratively, and feel proud of their accomplishments.
The TNCS Difference
- Montessori foundations that grow with your child
- Small class sizes and individualized attention
- Daily Spanish and Mandarin instruction
- Meaningful literacy and math curricula
- Hands-on STEM and global studies
- Movement, recess, and outdoor exploration every day
- Focus on global citizenship
- Emphasis on social emotional development
- Inclusive, diverse, and welcoming community
- Guided by TNCS core values: Compassion, Courage, Respect, and Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your specific questions about the TNCS kindergarten program.
Is kindergarten open to new families as well as current TNCS preschoolers?
Yes. TNCS welcomes both current preschool families and new applicants. Families already enrolled at TNCS may submit a shortened application and receive priority early decision consideration. Apply here.
Does TNCS offer financial aid for kindergarten?
Yes. TNCS is committed to accessibility and offers need-based financial aid for qualifying families beginning in kindergarten and continuing through 8th grade. For complete details and to learn how to apply, see our page Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Additionally, TNCS sometimes provides tuition remission to families who contribute time and professional expertise in a substantial volunteer role—such as family ambassador, school videographer, or volunteer coordinator—helping to strengthen our community through service.
How is kindergarten at TNCS different from a traditional public or charter school?
Kindergarten at TNCS offers a distinctive blend of small-scale community, individualized learning, and global perspective that sets it apart.
- Small class sizes and a low student–teacher ratio
- World-language immersion every day (Spanish and Mandarin Chinese)
- Montessori-inspired hands-on learning and self-paced work
- Freedom to move, explore, and learn actively
- Project-based, integrated academics
- Social emotional learning and global citizenship
Public and charter programs rarely combine all of these elements within one cohesive, nurturing environment.
Do kindergarteners learn both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese every day?
Yes. Students engage with both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese every day. Instruction is interactive and focused on building comfort with listening, speaking, reading and writing.
World language teachers use national standards set by the American Council on Foreign Language Teaching (ACTFL), which include the 5 Cs of language learning: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. For additional information, see our page on World Languages.
Why does TNCS teach both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese?
Exposure to multiple languages builds flexibility, problem-solving, and cultural understanding. TNCS believes that language learning opens doors—both globally and socially—and provides cognitive benefits that your child will carry throughout life.
How are reading and literacy skills taught in kindergarten?
Students practice daily phonemic awareness using the Heggerty curriculum, build early writing habits through journaling, and rotate through small-group activities that strengthen letter–sound knowledge, fine motor skills, and early decoding. Teachers also draw from The Daily Five, providing choice, independence, and meaningful practice in reading and writing, often using texts selected to reflect students’ interests and growing curiosities.
Further, the Montessori-aligned Rainbow Reading System (Cathie Perolman) continues in kindergarten and reinforces the foundational work begun in the TNCS primary program—ensuring consistency for returning students and serving as an accessible entry point for new kindergarteners.
Together, these elements create an integrated literacy experience where children develop into confident curious readers.
Does kindergarten include music instruction?
Yes. Music is an important part of every TNCS student’s learning experience. Kindergarteners attend formal music classes twice each week. Music is also integrated throughout the school day—from rhythm and movement to cultural studies and celebrations.
What does the daily schedule look like?
Kindergarten is a full-day program that runs 8:30 am–3:30 pm. Each day offers a balance of academics, creativity, and connection. Lessons are designed to inspire curiosity and collaboration while strengthening skills in literacy, languages, and STEM. Music, art, and movement are all part of the regular curriculum, and children have recess every day—usually outdoors, except in cases of unsafe weather or poor air-quality conditions.
How does TNCS support social-emotional growth?
Social-emotional growth is integrated into every part of the TNCS experience. Teachers help children identify emotions, practice empathy, and resolve conflicts with kindness and respect. Daily classroom routines, mindfulness activities, and restorative practices encourage reflection and self-regulation.
Social emotional learning is further guided by the TNCS Core Values—Compassion, Courage, Respect, and Service—which shape how students interact with one another and with the world around them.
What is the kindergarten application process?
All students—including those currently enrolled in primary at TNCS—must apply for kindergarten. There is no fee to apply.
Current TNCS Students – Early Consideration: Current TNCS primary students who will enter kindergarten in fall are strongly encouraged to submit the much shorter Early Consideration Application by mid-December.
New Students: While we offer admissions on a rolling basis, we encourage applications to be submitted by January 31.
Each student is an exceptional individual. TNCS provides a safe, caring, and encouraging environment for children to grow academically, emotionally, physically, and socially.
- Together We Can: TNCS’s Black History Month Celebration 2025!
- TNCS Rings In Year of the Snake with a “Scaled Up” Lunar New Year Event!
- Hispanic Heritage Night 2024: Around the Spanish-Speaking Globe!
- New Year’s Resolutions at TNCS: Speak Up (in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese)!
- The New Century School at 13: A Retrospective in Immersed Posts
- Meet the Teacher: Joan Cui Takes Over TNCS’s Chinese Immersion K/1st Classroom!
- Cooperative Learning at TNCS: Reading Buddies, Budding Readers
- TNCS K/1st Classes Get to the Core of Apple Harvesting!