Programs by Age > School-Age (5–12 years)

School-Age (5–12 years)

Two boys work on an art projectFostering Each Student’s Creative Quest

La Petite Academy’s School-Age curriculum focuses on helping children develop and practice critical-thinking skills as they engage in a variety of projects over time. This long-term “project approach” builds a deeper knowledge about topics of interest to your child.

Children at this age place a high importance on peer relationships, so a large portion of the curriculum is dedicated to working in small groups and developing teamwork skills. The schedule also includes group meeting time, outdoor physical activities, homework time and indoor activity time, as well as literature circle time, which invites your child to explore many examples of high-quality literature over the course of the year and participate in fun activities related to each.

Each classroom is divided into four studios, or workshops, that provide hands-on experiences. For example, our library and research studio encourages children to explore books, reference materials and maps as they investigate topics of interest to them.

The School-Age curriculum includes multicultural elements and literacy-based character-building activities.

Private Kindergarten

Many of our schools have a Private Kindergarten option that offers a smaller class size and additional guidance to children who might need it. The six-hour-per-day program also offers before- and after-school care for your convenience. By offering flexible learning opportunities that are customized to your child’s needs, our program redefines the kindergarten experience.

The curriculum in our Private Kindergarten Program includes those used in many elementary schools, as well as:

  • Scholastic’s Kindergarten Place reading program, which teaches communication skills such as listening, sharing ideas, conversation and writing.
  • Zaner-Bloser or D’Nelian handwriting programs, which teach children to write their names, write from left to right, write lowercase and uppercase letters from memory and tell stories, which combine writing and drawing.
  • Everyday Learning’s Everyday Math program, which teaches counting, sorting, graphing, estimating, problem solving and measuring.
  • AIMS Science program, which teaches a discovery approach to science topics such as seasons, animals and pets, and good health and the body.
  • Social Studies and Community Awareness programs, which teach basic social concepts such as responsibility, tolerance, rules, diversity and how money is used.
  • Our literature-based Kids of Character program, which teaches positive character traits such as citizenship, teamwork and kindness.

To check if your local La Petite Academy offers Private Kindergarten, please use our school search tool.

Before- and After-School Program

Our before- and after-school program provides the perfect combination of recreation and education for a well-balanced experience. Your child will end each day excited about the broad range of engaging activities that allow him to develop his interests and skills.

Want your child to complete her homework before you pick her up? No problem. We sit with you to outline your after-school expectations — whether they include homework or playtime.

Holiday and Spring Breaks

Whenever school is not in session, La Petite Academy offers child care that is engaging and educational. Join us for spring break and get a sneak peek into summer. Our weeklong program provides a sample of the fun-filled summer sessions.