Charleston Day School

Charleston Day School

Kindergarten

The First Year: Kindergarten

The kindergarten year is one of wonder, exploration, play, learning and growth. In our safe, trusting environment, children are encouraged to take risks and to become independent thinkers and problem solvers. Our goal is to instill a lifelong love of learning, as well as an appreciation for friendship, cooperation, kindness and empathy. No doubt about it, kindergarten is the place where it all starts!

What is a typical day like?

Our daily routine includes a morning meeting, reading — both listening to a story together and guided reading, math, writing, free centers and special area classes.

What special area classes do kindergarteners attend?

Special area classes are 30 minutes and meet twice a week, with the exception of Library, which meets once a week, and P.E., which meets three times a week. The following classes are offered to kindergarten students to enhance their learning experience:
French and Spanish, Art, Music, Science, P.E. and Library.

How long is the kindergarten school day?

Students are dropped off between 7:30 – 7:50 a.m. Pick-up is at 2 p.m. Options include staying for the 3 p.m. elementary pick-up, the 3:20 p.m. middle school pick-up or the After School Program.

Does the school provide lunch?

Tuition includes healthy and delicious snacks and lunch provided through the professional chefs from FLIK Dining Services. Students and teachers eat together at round tables, where they get to know each other in a less formal setting. Dining together is an extension of our curriculum, as teachers use this time to teach conversation skills and table manners.

Do kindergarten students go on field trips?

One of the benefits of our campus is the easy access we have to many attractions in downtown Charleston. Some places we visit include:

  • Charleston Library Society
  • White Point Gardens
  • Washington Park
  • Gibbes Museum
  • Charleston Museum
  • College of Charleston
  • Natural History Museum
  • Pineapple Fountain
  • Big Red Barn
  • Charleston Place Hotel (train at Christmas)
Will kindergarten students have a big buddy on campus?

We are so excited about the Buddy Up program. Each month, Kindergarten will buddy up with a different class to do something special and fun. This will be a great way to develop friendships within the Charleston Day School community.

Will kindergarteners have homework?

Students have a reading bag that goes home on Monday and returns to school on Thursday. The bag contains several books for parents and children to read together. Review of high frequency words at home is also helpful. Students enjoy spotting these words in books and at the grocery store.

How can parents get involved?

Parents often say that one of their favorite things about Charleston Day School is the community we share. Some ways to get involved:

  • Working with Halloween Carnival chairs to create a Kindergarten booth
  • Hosting a class party prior to the Christmas assembly
  • Helping with an end of the year celebration!
Do kindergarteners wear uniforms?

Kindergarten students wear the same uniforms as the rest of the school, with the exception that girls will choose from the jumper or skort only. (The skirts will be available starting in first grade.) Uniforms can be purchased through Lands’ End. The school code is: 900108226. Gently used uniforms are available for sale on campus from the Parents’ Council.

 

Be a Part of CDS

Want to join the Charleston Day community?
Tell Me More