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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, speak confidently, and act with purpose and heart.
![Head of Pre and Lower School Bill McCarthy]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1533048105/packer/bluimjk7tllkx9hnlrbf/180417_McCarthy_Bill_8232-700.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1533048105/packer/bluimjk7tllkx9hnlrbf/180417_McCarthy_Bill_8232-700.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1533048105/packer/bluimjk7tllkx9hnlrbf/180417_McCarthy_Bill_8232-700.jpg","width":700}])
Bill McCarthy
Pre and Lower School Division Head
When you walk into our classrooms, you see warm, nurturing communities that are buzzing with the energy of children fully immersed in learning.
Packer Early Learning Center
As of fall 2018, every Preschool student benefits from the groundbreaking design of the new Packer Early Learning Center at 100 Clinton Street, one block from our campus. Our classrooms are filled with natural light and surround our young learners with natural and found materials that they can access independently. Our building features a rooftop atelier, or art studio, and outdoor playspace.
Preschool 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.
Explore our Campus
Get to know Packer's unique and historic campus and neighborhood using our interactive map.
Daily Schedule
Pre-K Threes: 9am to 1:30pm (optional extended day until 2:55pm)
Pre-K Fours: 9am to 2:55pm
Kindergarten: 9am to 3pm (8am early dropoff and Afterschool available)
Afterschool
For students in Kindergarten, options include daily drop-in Packer Afterschool and weekly, semester-long Packer Plus classes.