I have a tendency to want to move quickly and it is important to cherish small moments and take time reflect, look deeply, uncover complexity, and enjoy the here and now. Particularly working with such little children, we are sometimes eager to look ahead and want time to pass to reach the next age and stage, but truly each developmental step has its own joys that should be savoured.
Preschool
Joy and creativity are at the center of our Pre-K Threes, Pre-K Fours, and Kindergarten classrooms.
Our Preschool Program provides engaging and meaningful learning experiences that form the foundation for our students’ academic growth. Our Reggio-Emilia-inspired philosophy emphasizes play and discovery, sparking our young learners’ sense of wonder and inspiration. We allow their interests and curiosity about the world around them to shape the curriculum.
We embrace each child’s individuality while also cultivating a strong sense of connection. Our emphasis on socialization and collaboration with peers encourages our young learners to be confident and caring members of our school community. As with every division of Packer, our Preschool faculty are committed to the development of socially conscious, empathetic young people. We live Packer’s mission to cultivate learners who think deeply, listen actively, speak courageously, and act with purpose and heart.
At-a-Glance
Our Preschool program is for 3, 4, and 5 year olds. Our Pre-K Threes and Pre-K Fours classrooms each have three full-time teachers. Each of our Kindergarten classrooms has two teachers.
Preschool classes follow a 7-day rotating cycle.
Every classroom has its own library and several areas for making and creating.
Students visit the Hart Library and Packer Garden throughout the 7-day cycle.
Daily Schedule
Pre-K Threes: 9am to 1:30pm (optional extended day until 2:55pm)
Pre-K Fours: 9am to 2:55pm (8am early drop off available)
Kindergarten: 9am to 3pm (8am early drop off and Afterschool available)
Packer Early Learning Center
In the fall 2018, Packer opened its new Early Learning Center at 100 Clinton Street, one block from our campus. Every Preschool student now benefits from the groundbreaking design of “Little Packer”, where the classrooms are filled with natural light and our young learners are surrounded with natural and found materials that they can access independently. Our building features a rooftop atelier, or art studio, and outdoor playspace. Explore photos and learn more in the Winter 2019 Packer Magazine.
Explore our Campus
Get to know Packer's unique and historic campus and neighborhood using our interactive map.
Packer+ Afterschool
For students in K-12, we offer a variety of after-school options and enrichment classes that run until at least 6:00 pm each day through our Packer+ Auxiliary Programs.