For current availability, please contact our Admissions Office.
In preschool Math, children are engaged in hands-on fun. Math games are an exciting way to both introduce new concepts and help students develop a more thorough understanding of the material. Unlike in a traditional preschool where a single teacher is often responsible for larger classes, having two teachers in each Nysmith class allows both of them to understand each child’s capacity for comprehending the lesson and challenge students to undertake projects that will help develop their understanding of the mathematical concepts. Activities presented to these students are designed to stimulate questions and promote problem-solving skills in a fun, dynamic setting.
Our Language Arts program helps foster in your child a lifelong love of reading. Beginner readers are introduced to a curriculum that is creative, sequential and integrated. Phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, writing and comprehension are all integral parts of the teaching curriculum. Advanced level readers are presented with challenges that promote appropriate skills. Specific activities may include preparing book reports, interpreting analogies, performing plays and participating in vocabulary games, as well as engaging in music, movement and art.
Science is incorporated into every preschooler’s daily lessons. For 20 minutes a day, students are introduced to different science disciplines through thematic units. Nysmith teachers prepare lessons that tie in math and logic to create seamless instruction. Through hands-on experiments, our youngest children develop an early appreciation for the scientific method.
The preschool computer curriculum introduces your child to technology while also offering a fun yet meaningful way to present their ideas. Students are introduced to basic computer items and the related terminology including the mouse, monitor/screen, keyboard, headphones, cursor, clicking and dragging. A variety of software programs are used to teach children the proper use of the mouse, with emphasis on hand-eye coordination and motor control. The use of other computer-related applications allows them to take on a myriad of tasks designed to reinforce the lessons learned in the classroom.
The goal of our foreign language program is to introduce students to the joy of learning another language in a fun, hands-on manner. Our goal is to help your child develop a love of languages and to help develop their brain. In Preschool, your child will be introduced to French, and with two teachers in each classroom, we are able to help him or her succeed at the rate that is right for them.
Your child will sing–and then sing some more! In addition to singing and dancing as part of their reading and math instruction, your child will also enjoy actual music classes for 30 minutes twice a week. Our goal is to nurture their love of music, help build their confidence and teach them musical note recognition. The music program is a performing arts program; each grade presents a major production each year in which your child performs onstage.
Preschool students take part in physical education (PE) classes approximately one hour every week. These are taught by professional physical education teachers who develop your child’s gross motor, balance and coordination skills and introduce them to a variety of sports and recreational activities. The typical PE class starts with a quick fun activity that promotes your child’s cardiovascular conditioning, followed by a flexibility exercise and a strength building activity.
We believe that art can be incorporated into almost every aspect of your preschooler’s education. Your child will do math using art, they will use art in learning phonics skills and they will also illustrate scientific principles with art. Nysmith offers a very project-based program and art has always been and will remain a major element of the curriculum for our youngest students.
“Both of my kids went to Nysmith starting from preschool. Nysmith school is one of few schools in the area that offers preschool to children 3 years and older with a strong academic setting. As a full time working mom I searched for a school I could leave my three year old son and daughter; while feeling confident that not only they are cared for, but also learn a lot by the end of the day. Nysmith not only delivered, but exceeded my expectations. Upon graduation, my son was well prepared for high school and later academic challenges in life (dental school). My daughter also started Nysmith at age 3 and graduated by 8th grade. I wish they offered high school as well! I highly recommend this school. Now all three of my nieces and nephews (6,4,3 respectively) attend, and another nephew will be going there next year. I recommend this school to any family who would like to start their child’s education at an early age, in a strong academic yet nurturing environment.“
– Parent, March 29, 2017
While this page offers a detailed look at our preschool program in Herndon, VA, the best way to learn about us is to schedule a visit. Our FAQ page is a great place to start, and our Admissions team is always happy to help. We can’t wait to show you how we can ignite your child’s passion for learning!
South Africa
Sydney, Australia