Kindergarten & Elementary Program
At The Caedmon School, we honor the individual and foster the natural curiosity of each child, which is the foundation of academic achievement. We nurture empathy in our students to value perspectives other than their own. Our graduates are creative, capable, and courageous, ready to make their place in the world.
Our Progressive Montessori approach combines Montessori values with research-based, progressive educational philosophy. The goal of Caedmon’s engaging, hands-on, and personalized education is that each member of the community feels seen, heard, and understood. Caedmon’s learning environment is rich in intellectual stimulation and academic challenges and full of emotional support. Our students gain a clear sense of who they are, what they want to learn, and who they want to become. Important skills such as listening, expressing oneself, working both independently and collaboratively, and behaving responsibly are continuously practiced.
As a school focused entirely on childhood, we have the privilege of teaching our students explicitly about social fairness and cultural richness. Through comprehensive lessons, projects, and field trips, our students investigate historical and current stories of inequity and acts of compassion. Faculty work hand-in-hand with our parents. They also learn to consciously nurture these concepts in their own classrooms, and beyond.
A systematic review of Montessori education has found:
• on academic outcomes, Montessori students performed about 1/4 of a standard deviation better than students in traditional education.
• on nonacademic outcomes, including self-regulation (executive function), well-being at school, social skills, and creativity, Montessori students performed about 1/3 of a standard deviation higher than students in traditional education.
Source: Justus J. Randolph, et. al., Montessori Education’s Impact on Academic and Nonacademic Outcomes: A Systematic Review, 2023 Sep; 19(3): e1330 Campbell Syst Rev. Published online 2023 Aug 7. doi: 10.1002/cl2.1330
Caedmon’s curriculum develops independence, imagination, and a sense of agency through inquiry, deep thinking, and active exploration. Areas of study include reading, writing, mathematics, and social studies, as well as a broad array of special subject classes.
At Caedmon, our classrooms are interactive, responsive environments in which collaboration and dialogue are highly valued.
We recognize that every reader is unique and our faculty supports each child in developing rich and sophisticated reading and comprehension skills. Teachers assess and teach students in skills-based “just-right reading groups”, present strategies and practice specific skills in “guided reading” sessions, utilize LEXIA, a highly effective online tool to target reading skills, and teach students to answer implicit and explicit comprehension questions, and summarize texts. Students learn about and read poetry, drama, and prose, both nonfiction and fiction, and gain an understanding of the elements of a story.
Caedmon writers practice brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing and experiment with writing in many different genres. They learn to be constructive critics and skilled communicators. Students begin with the Montessori Grammar curriculum and later learn to write research and analytical essays and study the etymology of vocabulary.
Children explore the fundamental mathematical concepts of numbers and operations, measurement, patterns, geometry, data analysis, and early algebra. Our math program incorporates TERC: Investigations in Number, Data, and Space, a curriculum endorsed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, as well as hands-on Montessori materials, and Context for Learning, a workshop approach, enabling a tactile, visual, and concrete understanding of mathematical concepts.
Caedmon students explore number quantities, develop strategies to manipulate numbers, and analyze and create word problems in flexible instructional groups. Teachers adapt lessons and groupings to the changing needs and skill level of each child. Students record and communicate their reasoning through discussion, presentation, notation, and drawings.
At each level of social studies at Caedmon, students are invited to explore, experience, and examine community, history, and geography. Achieving the ultimate goal of understanding oneself and one’s place in the worldwide community is possible only if multiple perspectives are presented at each developmentally-appropriate level. At Caedmon, students develop empathy, compassion, research, and critical-thinking skills, laying a foundation for future studies.
Caedmon prides itself on the extraordinary array of special subject classes, which are taught by dedicated experts in their special subject matter. Students receive high-level instruction in: Art, STEAM/Science, Physical Education (including swimming and martial arts for Kindergartners), Spanish, Latin (Grades 3 through 5), Music (Violin - K-Grade 3, choral and instrumental K-Grade 5), Technology, and Library. All students participate in daily recess.
KINDERGARTEN
Caedmon has a 6-day cycle. Indicated below are the number of times and the number of minutes classes are offered during the cycle. STEAM/ SCIENCE 1x 40 min small group 2x 40 min small group 2x 40 min small group 1x 80 min
Swimming biweekly
group
kindergarten
Children must be 5 years old by December 31st of the year they start
8:1 student-to-teacher ratio
8:25 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Early drop-off
Extended Day Program available until 6:00 p.m.
After school enrichment classes
Music school
The daily schedule in kindergarten is divided between open-ended activities, and directed group instruction that is typical from kindergarten onward. The children learn to complete assigned tasks within a specific time frame, while enjoying the creative play and exploration that are such important parts of the natural learning process at this age.
Kindergarten sample schedule: Slight changes are made from year to year, and specialist class times and frequency may vary.
TIME ACTIVITY
8:30 - 8:40 a.m. Arrival
8:40 - 9:00 a.m. Morning Meeting
9:00 - 9:40 a.m. Language Arts Groups (3x) or Language Choice Work (3x)
9:40 - 10:00 a.m. DEAR (Drop Everything & Read), Lunch Captain Set Up, & Bathroom Break
10:00 - 10:40 a.m. Rotation of Specialist Classes: Music — sm. group (1x), Physical Education — lg. group (1x), Library (1x), Spanish (2x), Martial Arts (1x)
10:40 - 11:20 a.m. Rotation of Specialist Classes: Physical Education — sm. group (1x), Library — selection (1x), Art (1x), Violin (1x), Music — lg. group (1x), Technology (1x)
11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lunch
12:00 - 12:30 p.m. Recess
12:30 - 12:40 p.m. Bathroom Break
12:40 - 1:10 p.m. Math Meeting & Quiet Time
1:10 - 1:50 p.m. Math
1:50 - 2:20 p.m. Snack Time
2:20 - 3:00 p.m. STEAM Science (1x) or Free Choice Activities (5x)
3:00 - 3:25 p.m. Storytime and Closing Circle
3:25 - 3:30 p.m. Goodbye and Dismissal
mixed-age first and second grade
A combined First and Second grade program in which children spend two years in the same classroom with the same teachers.
Two teachers per section
8:25 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Early drop-off
Extended Day Program available until 6:00 p.m.
After school enrichment classes
Music school
Students develop their academic and social skills in an environment that is challenging, intellectually stimulating, and provides the emotional support that young students need. The children work in small, flexible groups, which allows the teachers to adapt the program to the needs of each child and adjust the grouping as needed, as well as in larger groupings, where they benefit from one another’s strengths and learning styles.
third, fourth, and fifth grades
Stand-alone grades, typically two sections per grade
8:1 student-to-teacher ratio
8:25 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Early drop-off
Extended Day Program available until 6:00 p.m.
After school enrichment classes
Music school
Third and Fourth grade students hone technology skills for research, collaborate on long-term projects, and participate in literary discussions and debates. At times, they are grouped by skill level and also meet as a whole group to benefit from one another’s strengths and learning preferences. Our Fifth graders prepare for the academic and social challenges of middle school through personalized academic instruction. Time management, study skills, and organization are emphasized with long-term graded assignments and collaborative projects.
With advanced degrees, the faculty at The Caedmon School is equipped with a deep understanding of child development and the training and experience to provide just the right mix of challenge, warmth, and engagement, to optimize learning and creativity for each student. They are committed to providing personalized, academically engaging learning experiences for our students.
Classroom teachers maintain close communication with the specialist teachers to ensure connections among the various classes and that each child is known and understood.
The long tenure of many of our faculty members is a testament to The Caedmon School’s philosophy and dedication to community. The faculty and staff continually pursue a range of graduate studies and receive ongoing in-house professional development, as well as attend workshops and conferences on significant topics in education, such as diversity and equity work, social-emotional learning, brain development, and progressive curriculum. This pursuit of graduate studies and professional development is supported by the school through generous annual funding.
As a result of the dedication of our teachers, Caedmon graduates are ready for and enroll in the finest independent and public middle schools in NYC.
(See Life After Caedmon: The Transition to Middle School flyer for a list)
The Caedmon School is dedicated to creating and maintaining a community where we embrace and explore differences and commonalities and the challenges they may present.
We are committed to ensuring that Caedmon families feel a sense of belonging because we value the different and precious identities among us.
We cultivate a caring, respectful, and safe environment in which bonds are forged across potential barriers of human difference advancing compassionate, responsible, courageous citizens.
We are devoted to providing our students, our families, and our staff with the sense that they are known, valued, and needed in our community. A Task Force, including faculty, staff, and administrators, is created each year and meets to further the DEIB initiatives at Caedmon.
learning opportunities for caedmon kindergarten and elementary school students:
• “Star of the Week” and “Who am I” unit in Kindergarten
• Gender neutral dolls in all Early Childhood and Kindergarten classrooms
• The value of Empathy is heightened and encouraged
• Establishing classroom/community norms and ensuring classroom books are available, with DEIB values in mind
• Age-appropriate lessons covering, “What I love about myself” (writing unit), “Teaching Tolerance” lessons, identity and culture (I am from), foods people eat (climate, culture and access), immigration, gender identity, race and ethnicity, gender roles in ancient civilizations, units on peacemakers, family make-up, and learning about traditions and celebrations of cultures
• Identity development in collaboration with the school psychologist
• Celebration and exploration of cultural diversity, guided with analytical discussions both in homerooms and specialist classes
(Ages 4 Years 8 Months and up)
Application for Admission: Due Monday, December 9, 2024
Our goal is to make the admissions process as easy (and enjoyable!) as possible and to answer any questions you may have. We look forward with great pleasure to getting to know your child and you in the coming months through the following events! Registration for all is through Ravenna except where noted.
parent interview and small group tour (required)
We invite parents/guardians to join us on a weekday morning at 9:00 a.m. for a combined in-person 1:1 interview, a small-group presentation and tour, and a Q&A session with our Head of School and a Caedmon parent. This step is required and can take place before or after submitting an application. We will reach out to you to schedule it once we receive your inquiry or application or you can contact Susan Bonet, bonet@caedmonschool.org, to schedule.
open house (optional)
Join us for one of our Kindergarten and Elementary Program Open Houses to get to know The Caedmon School.
• In Person, Wednesday, October 9, 6:00 p.m. Parents are invited to come for an engaging classroom experience with our faculty. You’ll hear from our current 5th graders, faculty, current and alumni parents, and alumni.
• Online, Tuesday, October 29, 9:00 a.m. We invite you to join us via Zoom Meeting for an informative event. You’ll hear from our current 5th graders, faculty, current and alumni parents, and alumni.
#TheCaedmonStory
parents of children of color admissions event
Caedmon parents and members of the Families of Children of Color affinity group invite applicant parents with children of color to attend an Online Zoom meeting on either Tuesday, November 19, 6:00 p.m. or Wednesday, January 15, 9:00 a.m. to ask questions and learn about the Caedmon School experience.
(see other side for StoryTime and complimentary classes)
story time and curiosity classes (optional)
We invite you to join us for all of these optional experiences to get to know our community and our faculty! Registration for all is through Ravenna.
community story time (in-person) , saturdays, 10:00 a.m.,
except where noted Bring the whole family and join us for the fun as two of our faculty members lead us in songs and stories. Special events include our combined Open House and Storytime, Fall Festival, Winter Wonderland, and Spring Fling!
September 14
October 19
November 9, Fall Festival, 9:30 a.m.
December 7, Winter Wonderland, 9:30 a.m.
January 11
February 8
March 1
April 12, New Family Welcome Event, 9:30 a.m.
May 10, Spring Fling, 9:30 a.m.
June 7
July 12
August 23
curiosity classes
We invite you and your child to get to know us better through a complimentary experience that is taught by our faculty.
BOOM! Science In-Person
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.
Bring your child to work with our Science teacher, Mr. Schlessinger, to combine fun with learning!
November 9, Effervescent Tablets Rocket
December 7, Lemon Volcano
February 8, Magic Milk
Cooking Montessori Style In-Person Thursdays, 4:00 p.m.
Join our teacher, Ms. Schneider, to make some healthy and tasty snacks.
October 17, Pumpkin Energy Bites
November 14, Overnight Oats
December 5, Flatbread Pizza
January 16, Sesame Noodles
February 13, Yogurt Parfait
April 24, Banana Sunbutter Roll-Ups
May 29, Rainbow Pasta Salad
Montessori@Home Online
Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m.
We invite parents to join our teacher, Ms. Schneider, via Zoom Meeting to discuss ways to bring Montessori materials and activities into your home.
October 24, Setting Up for Success November 21, Practical Life
December 12, Sensorial January 23, Language February 20, Math
April 10, Cultural Arts May 22, Stages of Play
Beyond the school day, The Caedmon School offers a rich array of afterschool classes, extended-day programs, a team sport program, an afterschool chorus, and bridge camps. In addition, there’s the Caedmon Music School and our Summer Discovery Camp, which are open to the Caedmon community and also the broader NYC community.
afternoons@caedmon
Most of our classes are intended for a mixed-grade audience, allowing children to interact with peers from other home rooms. Each day includes diverse offerings, appealing to those interested in visual arts, technology, sports, computers, fashion, and more. Please see our website for the variety of offerings. Contact Andrew Kagan, kagan@caedmonschool.org, for more information.
Extended Day Programs
#The CaedmonStory
Extended Day is available as a general childcare option for all families after 3:30 p.m. dismissal. Daily options are available for children 3 years 8 months and up and annual options are available for children ages 20 months and up. Families seeking the Extended Day Annual Plan are afforded over a 30% savings off the hourly rate. Children are under the care of experienced after-school faculty and staff. Students may also go to Extended Day following an afterschool class or music lesson. Contact Slawek Balon, balon@caedmonschool.org, for more information.
the caedmon music school
Our program is devoted to offering private music lessons and classes taught by some of New York’s most talented and sought-after music instructors. We offer private music classes for piano, singing & voice, guitar — including classical guitar and rock, violin, drums, cello, saxophone, flute & recorder, trumpet, clarinet, and ukulele, to name a few. Students perform at recitals, which are held in February and June. Music lessons are offered Monday through Friday, as well as on the weekends. Contact Paula Flatow, flatow@caedmonschool.org, for more information.
The Caedmon School began a team sport program in 2012, which pits Caedmon’s Third, Fourth, and Fifth graders against local teams in the community-based weekend Gotham Basketball Association. Caedmon competes in the GBA’s Freshman and JV Divisions. Once a week, practices are held in the morning, one hour before school. Contact Andrew Kagan, kagan@caedmonschool.org, for more information.
the caedmon chorus club
Offered as a weekly after-school club activity, The Caedmon Chorus is open to elementary children in Grades 2-5 who love to sing or wish to explore the exciting world of choral music. The group comprises two sections, which meet weekly from 3:40 to 4:40 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays respectively and performs throughout the school year. Contact Jeremy Davidson, davidson@ caedmonschool.org, for more information.
Some Caedmon families need activities and care for their children during breaks throughout the year. Caedmon hosts two-week vacation camps during winter recess, spring recess, and immediately before and after summer Discovery Camp. Half Day and Full Day programs are available for children from Beginners through Kindergarten. Each day consists of popular specialist classes, including, but not limited to, PE/Movement, Martial Arts, Coding/Game Design, and Chess. Contact Andrew Kagan, kagan@caedmonschool.org for more information.
Campers have a full complement of fun activities. Highly skilled counselors guide them in swimming, arts and crafts, movement, music, science, tennis, and of course, sports and games in the outdoor courtyard. The three youngest groups will also have water-play 2-3 times per week. Our groups participate in age-appropriate trips and activities guided by experienced Caedmon teachers and other talented specialists. Contact camp directors, Slawek Balon and Adam Schlessinger, campdirector@caedmonschool.org, for more information.
For more information and registration information on all programs, please see our website.
We want to make a Caedmon education accessible!
Our Flexible Tuition Program is an example of our devotion to a socioeconomically diverse community at The Caedmon School. It is Caedmon’s version of financial aid.
Flexible Tuition grants, unlike financial aid in colleges and universities, come from gross tuition revenue and fund raising initiatives. They are not loans, but grants that do not have to be paid back.
tuition payment options
The Caedmon School offers the following payment options to accommodate the needs of our families:
• Single payment
• Two payments
• 10 payments (includes a 2.5% financing fee)
who qualifies for flexible tuition?
Many families who feel they may not qualify for traditional financial aid may very well qualify for Flexible Tuition.
tuition for the 2024-2025 school year
Beginners (3 mornings)
Beginners (5 mornings)
Beginners (Full Day)
Early Program Threes (Half Day)
Early Program Threes (Full Day)
Early Program Fours (Full Day)
Kindergarten
Grades 1 - 5
29% of Caedmon families receive Flex Tuition grants
19% of gross tuition revenue is devoted to Flex Tuition
$32,623 is the average Flexible Tuition award
how does flexible tuition work?
Families are required to notify The Caedmon School if they plan to apply for Flexible Tuition (there is a box to check on the application for admission). If you plan to apply for Flexible Tuition and the Application for Admission fee presents a hardship for your family, please contact Susan Bonet in our Admissions Office to request the waiver code.
The Caedmon School uses the Clarity Application, located at https://app.clarityapp.com/sign-up, to determine a family’s level of financial need based on the information families share in the application. Support is available at support@clarityapp.com or 206-210-3752. There is a $60 fee and the due date for submitting the Clarity Application and supporting documentation is as follows:
• Kindergarten and Elementary School applicant families: Wed., December 11, 2024
from our families
“We are so appreciative of the support we receive from the Flexible Tuition program. It makes it possible for our family to be a part of the Caedmon community. As parents, we all want the best resources and the best match in terms of pedagogical approach for our children. Because there is support for tuition that takes our financial situation into consideration, we are free to have access the best educational opportunities for our children. Flexible Tuition encourages families from diverse backgrounds to apply to and attend Caedmon, resulting in a rich and diverse learning environment for everyone. Our son absolutely loves going to school at Caedmon. He is challenged and encouraged, making good friends, and getting the best education possible. Without Flexible Tuition he would not have this opportunity. Thank you!” –Parent of a 1st Grade student
$22,370
$36,565
$52,225
$36,565
$52,225
$52,225
$60,755
$62,985
“By offering Flex Tuition, Caedmon has once again demonstrated their commitment to all children and their families. Caedmon has been unbelievably understanding of our financial challenges and has gone out of their way to tailor a financial aid package and payment plan to suit our family’s needs. I am forever grateful.” –Parent of a 3rd Grade student
• Beginner and Early Program applicant families: Fri., January 10, 2025
The Caedmon School receives a report from Clarity which is reviewed by our Flexible Tuition Committee to make determinations of how Flexible Tuition funds will be distributed. Most qualifying families will receive assistance.
The Flexible Tuition grant will be reflected in the contract accompanying the letter of acceptance.
“The Caedmon School’s Flexible Tuition program has been a major blessing for our family. The majority of our neighborhood schools are failing which has made us seek educational opportunities outside of our immediate area. We’ve been raised to value education and have always envisioned more for our children then we had. If it weren’t for the Flexible Tuition Program, we would not be able to afford an outstanding education for our children. The plan and the funding allow us to live within our means while providing our children with amazing opportunities. We are forever grateful for this program and cherish the opportunities given. We hope this program continues to expand in order to provide for more families like ours.”
–Parent of an Early Program and Kindergarten student
Finding a middle school that is best suited for each graduating senior is of utmost importance, and we make it a point to deeply know every child, from their learning style, what projects they gravitate toward, how their friendships blossom, or even what games they like to play.
the benefits of choosing an academic experience through fifth grade at caedmon are numerous
• At the age of 10, we have a strong idea of a child’s interest, social intelligence, and learning style, and are equipped to find the best fit middle school and beyond.
• Starting in the Fourth-grade year, families receive continued support from the Head and Associate Head of School in finding the best independent or public middle school for their child.
• Caedmon students assume authentic leadership roles in the elementary years as mentors to our younger students through our book buddies program and by acting as role models by setting a positive example for the lower grades.
• With the support and guidance of teachers, administrators, and peers, our Fifth grade seniors become mindful and reflective as they consider the schools that are most suitable to their learning and wishes, and practice self-advocacy by discussing their unique qualities, goals, and experiences.
#TheCaedmonStory
“ They care about other people. They care about their community. They recognize there’s more to life than just getting good grades and your own personal achievements. They recognize those things are critical, but they also want to do that in a place where they’re encouraged by their peers.”
An ongoing school admissions officer
Caedmon Fifth grade graduates are wonderful community members, prepared both academically and socially, and highly sought after by New York City middle schools.
class of 2020 through 2024 our graduates have been accepted to:
Independent K-12 Schools
Avenues: The World School
The Berkeley Carroll School
The Birch Wathen Lenox School
The Brearley School
Brooklyn Friends School
The Browning School
The Calhoun School
The Chapin School
The Collegiate School
Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School
Convent of the Sacred Heart
The Dalton School
The Dwight School
Ethical Culture/Fieldston School
Friends Seminary
The Hewitt School
Horace Mann School
The Lang School
Lèman Manhattan Preparatory School
Marymount School of New York
The Masters School
The Nightingale Bamford School
Poly Prep Country Day School
Riverdale Country School
The Rudolph Steiner School
The Spence School
Trevor Day School
The Trinity School
United Nations International School
York Preparatory School
The Allen-Stevenson School
Brooklyn Heights Montessori
Manhattan Country School
Speyer School
De La Salle Academy
NYC Doe Public Schools
The Anderson School
Booker T. Washington Middle School
East Side Middle School
Fox Lane Middle School
Robert F. Wagner Middle School
Yorkville East Middle School
