Caedmon Preschool Brochure

Early Childhood: Beginners and Early Program

Your child’s story unfolds at Caedmon #TheCaedmonStory

Our Mission Statement At The Caedmon School, we honor the individual

Our Values

and foster the natural curiosity of each child,

Community

which is the foundation of academic achievement.

We nurture empathy in our students to value

Academic Excellence

perspectives other than their own. Our graduates

Diversity

are creative, capable, and courageous, ready to

Montessori

make their place in the world.

The Montessori Method The Caedmon School was the first Montessori school in New York City and the second in the nation

Caedmon’s Montessori educational method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori and practiced throughout the early childhood classrooms, cultivates natural curiosity, active discovery, and children’s interests. Our head teachers are Montessori certified and serve as facilitators in our multi-age, carefully prepared, learning environments. your child’s learning experience

Caedmon’s core Montessori curriculum includes foundations in creative play, language, math, science, culture, and art.

Expanding on these Montessori elements, all early childhood students also participate in movement and mindfulness class and music class in our brand new music classroom. In addition, full-day four-year-olds have STEAM/Science class in our science lab, art in our beautiful studio, and Spanish music.

benefits of montessori education

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

Elements of our Montessori Classrooms

Early Childhood Program

each child is unique

20 months to 2 years 8 months (Children must be 2 years old by December 31)

beginners

Caedmon’s Montessori curriculum provides an individualized approach that recognizes and values each unique child. Our students are instilled with a strong sense of natural curiosity, active discovery, and responsibility.

12 children per day per class 4:1 student/teacher ratio 3* or 5 mornings per week, 8:35 a.m. - 11:35 a.m. or 5 days per week, 8:35 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Extended day program available until 5:45 p.m. (See Beyond the Classroom flyer for details)

expert teachers

*Assigned 3-morning student schedule may be one of five different schedules to maintain student/teacher ratio.

Our Early Childhood head and lead teachers are Montessori-certified facilitators with many years of experience in early childhood education and development.

They act as facilitators, helping children to learn independently, navigate the classroom, and complete their Montessori “works” with encouragement and guidance.

Compassion and empathy are taught to develop awareness and appreciation of others. The pursuit of graduate studies, Montessori certification, and other professional development is supported by the school through generous annual funding.

prepared environment

Beginners sample schedule: Please note, we are on a 6-day rotating cycle. Slight changes are made from year to year, and specialist class times and frequency may vary.

Child

Our classrooms offer a beautiful environment that is specifically created for young children. The bright, sun-filled classrooms enhance lessons and provide rich learning opportunities that invite exploration utilizing all five senses. Areas of the classroom are: Practical Life Sensorial (materials using the 5 senses) Language Mathematics Biomes (geography and science) Cultural arts (social studies, history, music, and art) Blockbuilding Imaginative play Book nook

Beginners is specifically designed to foster confidence, competence, and independence in first-time school children. Offering a small student-to-teacher ratio, our skilled and experienced teachers provide predictable routines, social interaction, an orderly arrangement of materials, planned activities, and an opportunity to develop an awareness and consideration of others. Children also participate in specialist classes which include Movement & Mindfulness and Music.

Teachers

Environment

Our head and lead teachers are Montessori certified and serve as facilitators in our multi-age, carefully prepared, learning environments.

TIME

BEGINNERS ACTIVITY

8:35 a.m.

Arrival

8:35 - 9:20 a.m.

Courtyard/Recess

9:20 - 9:50 a.m.

Music (1x), Movement & Mindfulness (2x), Work Time (3x)

9:50 - 10:10 a.m.

Snack

10:10 - 10:45 a.m.

Work Time

10:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Bathroom Break

11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Closing Circle (songs, stories, goodbye to morning friends)

11:35 a.m.

Dismissal (morning friends) Friends who stay for the afternoon have a family-style Lunch, Rest, Work Time, Small Group Activities, and a Closing Circle

early program threes

2 years 9 months to 3 years 8 months 7.5:1 student/teacher ratio 5 mornings per week, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. or 5 days per week, 8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Extended day program available until 5:45 p.m.

(See Beyond the Classroom flyer for details)

early program fours

3 years 9 months to 4 years 9 months 7.5:1 student/teacher ratio 5 days per week, 8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Extended day program available until 5:45 p.m.

(See Beyond the Classroom flyer for details) Our Early Program offers mixed-age classrooms in the morning that provide an authentic Montessori experience for three and four-year-old children. During the two-year program children remain in the same classroom.

The student-teacher relationship is strengthened over the two-year period. The younger children benefit from the leadership of older classmates and the older children are empowered to cement their learning by mentoring their younger friends, instilling a sense of responsibility for each other as well as for themselves.

Montessori materials address both cognitive and sensorymotor development and are enhanced by play-based activities to encourage the social, creative, and emotional growth of the child. The prepared environment is designed to allow children to explore, make connections, and take charge of their learning and discoveries.

All students travel to specialist labs and studios for special subject classes in music, movement & mindfulness, and daily outdoor play. Early Program Fours also attend classes in art, STEAM/science, and Spanish music.

Early Program Threes and Fours sample schedule: Please note, we are on a 6-day rotating cycle. Slight changes are made from year to year, and specialist class times and frequency may vary.

TIME

MIXED-AGE EARLY PROGRAM THREES AND FOURS ACTIVITY

8:35 - 8:50 a.m.

Arrival

8:50 - 9:20 a.m. Movement & Mindfulness (1x), Music (1x), or Morning Meeting, Share, and Presentations (4x) 9:20 - 9:50 a.m.

Work Time

9:50 - 10:20 a.m.

Snack and Bathroom Break

10:20 - 10:50 a.m.

Courtyard/Recess

10:50 - 11:20 a.m.

Work Time

11:20 - 11:35 a.m.

Closing Circle and Goodbye to Early Program Three half-day friends

EARLY PROGRAM THREES

ALL EARLY PROGRAM FOURS

(those who stay for the afternoon move to another classroom with EP3 friends)

(remain in classroom)

11:35 - 12:20 p.m.

Lunch

Lunch

12:20 - 12:30 p.m.

Bathroom Break

Bathroom Break

12:30 - 1:20 p.m.

Rest

Rest

1:20 - 2:20 p.m.

Worktime

Worktime

2:20 - 2:35 p.m.

Snack

Snack

2:35 - 3:05 p.m.

Small group activity

3:05 - 3:15 p.m.

Closing Circle and Dismissal

Art (1x), STEAM/Science (1x), Spanish Music (1x), Worktime (3x) Closing Circle and Dismissal

Come Visit!!

Beginners And Early Program (Ages 20 Months - 4 Years 9 Months) Application for Admission: Due Friday, January 10, 2025 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 our Ravenna Hub.

open house (optional)

Join us for one of our Open Houses to get to know The Caedmon School.

• Beginner and Early Program Family Open House & Community Story Time In Person, Saturday, October 19, 9:15 a.m. Bring your child and experience our program first-hand!

• Beginner and Early Program Open House Online, Tuesday, November 12, 9:00 a.m. Please join us online to hear from and ask questions of Caedmon faculty, current and alumni parents, our 5th-grade students, and our alumni.

We invite you to join us for any or all of the following 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!

early childhood group tour for parents/guardians (required)

We invite parents/guardians to join us on weekday mornings at 9:00 a.m. for a presentation about our Montessori approach to learning, a tour of our facilities, and a question and answer session with our Director of Enrollment and Family Commitment, Associate Head of School & Head of Early Childhood, Head of School, and a current parent. This step is required and can take place before or after submitting an application.

story time and curiosity classes (optional)

#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)

September 14 October 19, Open House/ Storytime, 9:15 a.m.

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.

Little STEAMers In-Person Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m.

Bring your child and work with our STEAM Science teacher, Ms. Milton, to combine fun with learning!

September 25, Picasso’s Children October 30, The 5 Senses, an Exploratory Class November 20, Adventure in Architecture December 11, What’s on Your Plate?

January 22, A Tree’s Story February 26, The Seesaw and How It Works Cooking Montessori Style In-Person Thursdays, 4:00 p.m.

Join our Early Program 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 Classroom 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 After School Classes Most of our classes are intended for a mixed-grade audience, #The CaedmonStory 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 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.

team sport program

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.

caedmon bridge camp

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.

discovery camp

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.

Affording a Caedmon Education: Our Flexible Tuition Program & Payment Options 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

flexible tuition at a glance 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

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

$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

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 • 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.

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 ----------“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

Life After Caedmon: The Transition to Middle School

class of 2020 through 2024 our graduates have been accepted to:

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.

Caedmon Fifth grade graduates are wonderful community members, prepared both academically and socially, and highly sought after by New York City middle schools.

#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

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

Independent K-8 Schools The Allen-Stevenson School Brooklyn Heights Montessori Manhattan Country School Speyer School Independent 6-8 Schools 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

Our Commitment to Community, Equity, and Belonging 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 early childhood students: • Diversity/Belonging Bookbags - Books are sent home with each child on a rotating basis • DEIB books in classroom libraries available for independent reading and teacher read alouds • Montessori Peace Curriculum • Learning about and embracing traditions and celebrations • “Family Structure” unit in Beginners • “All About Me” unit in Early Program • Gender neutral dolls • Affinity Group for Families of Children of Color 416 East 80th Street • New York, NY 10075 • 212.879.2296 • caedmonschool.org