DCPS is proud to offer a variety of Pre-K academic programs to meet the unique needs of each child and family. The information below provides a brief overview of the academic programs in Pre-K. For more information about how these programs are implemented and supported at specific school locations, please attend an open house or reach out directly to the school.
General Education in Pre-K
All Pre-K General Education classrooms utilize Creative Curriculum© which includes developmentally appropriate goals and objectives for children across all areas of development (social-emotional, language, literacy, cognitive, math, physical and the arts). These goals are aligned to the DC Early Learning Standards.
The Creative Curriculum is a project-based learning approach where children are able to integrate learning across developmental domains through various study topics. Children learn through a combination of play, exploration, and teacher-led lessons.
Pre-K programs include recess, rest time, breakfast and lunch, whole group and small group lessons, as well as opportunities for child-directed play. Pre-K programs participate in special subject classes such as: art, music, and physical education.
Montessori
The goal of Montessori education is to foster a child’s natural inclination to learn. Montessori teachers guide rather than instruct, linking each student with activities that meet his interests, needs, and developmental level. The classroom is designed to allow movement and collaboration, as it also promotes concentration and a sense of order. American Montessori Society
The following schools offer Montessori classrooms in the Pre-Kindergarten program:
- Capitol Hill Montessori
- Langdon Elementary School
- Nalle Elementary School
Dual Language
The following schools are implementing a Spanish/English Dual Language model in the Pre-Kindergarten program:
- Bancroft Elementary School
- Bruce-Monroe Elementary School
- Cleveland Elementary School
- Houston Elementary School
- Marie Reed Elementary School
- Oyster Adams Bilingual School
- Powell Elementary School
- Tyler Elementary School