Kindergarten at Sussex School is led by Kris Laroche and assisted by Eric Sedlacek. At Sussex, kindergartners have direct instruction through a low student to teacher ratio and become explorers on campus and in the Missoula community. Working hand-in-hand with other parts of our program, they experience a vibrant curriculum that seeks to instill a love of learning, provide a sense of community, and support more physical and academic independence.

 

In Kindergarten, students work on authentic projects to create a foundation of integrated-subject learning, have many opportunities for a collaborative process, and are provided with situations for student-driven solutions. Kindergarteners create, discover, and connect in a community where kindness is modeled and uplifted daily. See an example of this learning below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Kindergarten academic foundation includes language arts, mathematics, integrated social studies & science, art, music, movement, and physical education. We challenge our students and encourage them to take risks and make mistakes with the care and support of their teachers. In addition to our curriculum, students are active members of our outdoor and winter ski program.

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Each Kindergartener “Little” has an eighth-grade “Big.” Big & Little time includes literacy-based activities, art projects, holiday celebrations, and opportunities to develop a mentor-mentee relationship. Beyond the daily emphasis on kindness, inclusion, and acceptance, kindergarten students are taught interpersonal skills and positive communication language through TOOLBOX, the nationally-recognized social-emotional learning, and development program.