PreK Program
At PHA, our Pre-K program is rooted in the belief that all children are curious and capable thinkers, makers, learners, and friends. Each child brings to school their stories, experiences, and family culture to create a caring community where we are all seen and heard. The children observe the world around them, ask questions, and reflect on their shared experiences. Teachers work alongside children during play to develop confidence, collaboration, and problem solving skills. Teachers observe children’s thinking and perspective to inspire a curriculum that is meaningful, arises from student interest, and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
Prospect Hill Academy's tuition-free PreK program admits children who are four years old by August 31st of the year they enroll and is designed to ensure our youngest learners are ready to enter Kindergarten. The program follows the same application and lottery process as the school in general (Siblings and Somerville and Cambridge residents receive preference).The PreK program occupies two bright, vibrant, and welcoming classrooms with a garden view, and students are taught by certified Early Childhood teachers who provide a caring, fun, and engaging environment and age-appropriate instructional program. We also work with various community partners who engage our youngest students in weekly dance, music, and mindfulness classes.
The program is based on a Reggio-Emilia approach, and is entirely play-based and student-centered with an immersive curriculum. As such, students are given the opportunity to be deeply immersed in one curricula topic integrated across various content areas. For example, earthworms are brought into the classroom, and students observe, touch, read about, draw, create, imitate, and find them in nature, and in the process learn about their function in the earth’s ecosystem.