Preschool
Where Learning Begins
Our inclusive mixed-age Preschool program welcomes children ages 2.5 to 4 years old. Based on a holistic view of the human being, our Preschool program encourages students to grow body, mind, and spirit through a blend of movement activities, storytelling, creative work, and imaginative play.
Our Waldorf-trained Preschool teachers are warm and nurturing caregivers. They are also skilled educators who understand and respect the young child. As children take their first steps toward independence, teachers work with families to ensure a smooth transition to school that supports each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
A Balanced Day
In our Preschool program, a predictable and well-balanced daily routine gives children the security from which to explore the world freely and confidently. Every week in the Preschool, children engage in meaningful activities, like bread baking, painting, crafts, and clean-up. Puppet shows and stories capture a child’s imagination and help build strong language skills while lively counting games lay a foundation for mathematics.
A Natural Education
A connection to the natural world is fundamental to Waldorf education. In Preschool, we celebrate the seasons through festivals, craft projects, and seasonal stories and songs from across the world. We also spend ample time outdoors, every single day. In addition to our on-campus play yard, children run, climb, build forts, and experience the outdoors in the wooded parkland of the Presidio.
Time for Play
Engaging in unstructured, imaginative play is essential to children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. In our Preschool program, structured activities are layered alongside ample time for creative, imaginative, and social play every single day—indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. Through play, children build capacities like self-control, creativity, language skills, and resilience.
An Environment Rich in Language and Culture
SFWS’s carefully sequenced literacy program begins in Preschool with a curriculum of stories, fairy tales, verses, songs, and puppet shows from around the world, with complex themes, structure, and vocabulary. These daily activities build essential listening, speech, memory, imagination, and comprehension skills, laying the groundwork for a lifelong love of reading.
Movement
As part of our holistic approach to early childhood education, Preschool teachers lead students in kinesthetic activities, music, craftwork, and games that support sensory integration, motor skill development, and cooperation among peers. Fine motor and artistic expression are encouraged through watercolor painting, craft activities, cooking, and free play.
Want to learn more? Schedule a phone call with our Admission Team now.