Early Childhood Preschool | Prekindergarten | Kindergarten Forward-focused preparation for the real world through the development of character and intellect
1 character
I like Hawken School because it’s a happy place, and the teachers and kids are all nice. All the teachers and kids respect one another. Kindergarten Student
2 “The main purpose for which the school exists is the development of character.” James A. Hawken, Founder
At Hawken, we not only teach children to be great students, we encourage them to be great people.
Our Early Childhood program allows students to experience the joys of childhood while developing the foundational knowledge and habits of mind to support lifelong learning. We believe that laying the groundwork for your child to live a happy, meaningful life requires not just mastery of skills but character traits like curiosity, honesty, initiative, and resilience.
That’s why our century-old motto of “Fair Play” permeates all that we do. It helps guide the thinking, speaking, and actions of every member of our community and creates responsible, empathetic citizens.
“Instilling in students the skills they need to become successful adults is a top priority at Hawken. But we believe that who students become is just as important as what they become. We intentionally create our innovative programming and our community culture of inclusiveness in ways that inspire our students to go out and be good people who do good things in the world.” D. Scott Looney, Head of School
To meet our Head of School, visit hawken.edu/HeadofSchool
3 academics
“Help the child to feel, to see and to hear; to wonder, admire and revere; to believe, hope and love.” James A. Hawken, Founder
4 Academics: Joyful learning
Early childhood students are by their very nature creative beings. We try to nurture your child’s creativity at every turn, fostering a love of exploration and the joy of discovery.
Research has proven again and again that children in the early developmental stages of growth learn best when given the time and space to explore and play. Purposeful play helps children learn how to make decisions and choices. When your child spends time engaged in activities that he or she cares about, confidence flourishes.
There is essentially no distinction between work and play in our early childhood program; work is play and play is work. Every activity and interaction is geared toward helping your child develop into a capable, caring, and resourceful adult.
“Play is the natural art and science of childhood. It is the space where children explore and experiment with concepts ranging from problem-solving with the principles of physics to negotiating and sharing ideas with peers. Play is the space where children learn the gratification of working on a project independently and the joy of being with others. Play is the place where children develop the fundamentals not only for their school careers but for their lives.” Brooke Marcy Preschool Teacher/Admission Officer
For more information on Hawken’s Early Childhood Curriculum, visit hawken.edu/EarlyChildhood
5 “Hawken’s Early Childhood program is unique and extraordinary. We deliberately craft strong, personal relationships with each family, allowing us to know every student as if he or she were our own. Guiding students and their families through their first years of school is an honor and a responsibility that we take seriously. Meeting our youngest students where they are in all areas of development, and scaffolding them to the next steps, can only happen when we truly know them as learners. The Early Childhood faculty craft engaging, hands-on learning experiences that foster a love of learning, and a love of Hawken, in our students.” Sara Milbourn, Preschool Teacher community
6 A learning environment that says, “You are valued.”
Because children perform best when they feel known and cared for, Hawken teachers work to create a physically and emotionally safe environment that sets the tone for the development of your child’s innate curiosity. Emphasizing a student- centered approach, teachers attend to each child as he or she makes discoveries and observations about the world. In this supportive atmosphere, your child will develop confident, positive attitudes toward school.
Through reassuring routines that include greeting each child by name every day during Morning Meeting and a hug or handshake from the teacher at the end of the day, your child will quickly come to understand that he or she is part of a warm, accepting community. This sense of empowerment will inspire in your child the confidence and desire to make a difference in his or her classroom and beyond.
“You want a happy child. Hawken is a joyful learning environment, and the teachers make it so.” Andrea Hill, Parent
7 an illuminated glass wall of bubbling a studio water for quiet time for free and peaceful visits exploration with friends and family of art media the nido
Facilities that welcome and inspire one-on-one time between student and teacher. This space supports small group work for targeted A community space for our youngest students and learning and provides room for larger gatherings. their parents, the Nido is a physical reminder of the important partnership between family and school. This unique, stimulating environment invites Intentionally designed as a welcoming gathering your child to think in new and creative ways, place for parents, students, and teachers, the Nido facilitating his or her academic, social, and encourages parent engagement while enabling personal growth.
8 a community kitchen with a child green spaces height area for a stage for large motor student activities for dramatic activities and and regular adult play, musical community facilities for events performances, and assemblies and gatherings class presentations
It’s a real inspiration. I’ve seen many early childhood spaces, and this is the most beautiful and child-centered space I’ve ever seen.
Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, Professor of Pediatrics Emeritus, Harvard Medical School and founder of the Brazelton Touchpoints Center at Children’s Hospital Boston, speaking at the grand opening of the Early Childhood Center
9 Preschool & prekindergarten • Academic and social curricula of equal importance program highlights • Strong partnerships with families to support individual student growth and development
• Two full-time teachers in each classroom to ensure personalized student attention
• Recognition of the power of language and its impact on children • A world language program introducing Spanish and Mandarin Chinese in prekindergarten
• A wide variety of program choices to meet students’ developmental needs
• Young Explorers program in science, movement, visual and dramatic arts, and world cultures through literacy and music
• Extended Day support from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
10 At Hawken you get to learn a language starting in prekindergarten. I like to learn Chinese because it’s so fun. I love it. You don’t have to do it by yourself; you do it with the class. Kindergarten Student
11 12 explore A day in the life of preschool & prekindergarten
• The day begins with a period of exploration • Students participate in one or more special where your child will interact with teachers area classes every day. These include literacy and friends. Teachers greet and welcome every (in addition to daily literacy activities in the student and invite each one to read the Morning classroom), music, library, and physical education. Message. The message introduces students to In prekindergarten, students also add world their day and includes an interactive component languages to their special area classes. that encourages them to become an active learner in their classroom community. • Clean-up time is an important part of the day as children work together to take care of the • Following Morning Explorations, students begin classroom. Proper care of materials is introduced their work together as they gather for Morning during the first six weeks of school through the Meeting. This integral part of every school day processes of guided discovery and modeling. acknowledges the importance of each individual in the classroom community and develops • Large motor skills are practiced and strengthened interest in and enthusiasm for learning together. on a daily basis, utilizing both indoor and outdoor facilities. Each class meets once each • Activity time follows and consists of both week for a formal physical education class. teacher-directed and student-initiated choices. Experiences span a variety of interests including • Snack is another important daily activity where creative arts, building and construction, cooking, children have the opportunity to practice science inquiry, math awareness, language arts, manners and strengthen vocabulary skills as they and dramatic play. engage in conversation with teachers and peers. • The morning concludes with a Closing Meeting that may include read-alouds, poems, finger plays, sharing, or reflection. Reflecting on a day’s events is an important component of the learning process.
My favorite thing is playing with my friends because it makes me happy and makes me feel safe, and I don’t worry about anything. Preschool Student
13 Early Childhood Young Explorers program options Young Explorers classes offer your child activities that promote creativity, imagination, and physical development. Classes are taught in the hours Hawken’s Early Childhood Program immediately following lunch until the end of the offers families a range of choices to school day at 2:45 pm. These activities include, but meet their particular needs, including are not limited to, the following topics: early morning and late afternoon care. • Science Preschool families can choose between • Large motor movement three and five mornings with options • Visual & Dramatic Arts to extend the day through lunch or • Global Connections (Language & Culture) Young Explorers. Prekindergarten is a • Music five-morning program with options to stay through lunch or Young Explorers. Extended Day support Preschool students with birthdays Both Before and After School Care options are between October 1 and December 31 available for preschool and prekindergarten will spend two years in the preschool students Monday through Friday from 7:00 am program before progressing to until the beginning of the school day and from prekindergarten. Prior to attending 2:45 pm to 6:00 pm each afternoon. Students Hawken, we ask that preschoolers enrolled in After School Care enjoy playing in the are able to use restroom facilities familiar Nido environment as well as on the Early independently. Childhood playground. This care can be scheduled regularly or on an as-needed basis and is billed by the hour at the end of each month.
14 Preschool options Prekindergarten options Children turning three by December 31 Children turning four by September 30
OPTION 1 OPTION 2
3 Mornings 5 Mornings 5 Mornings Monday, Tuesday & Monday-Friday Monday-Friday Wednesday 8:30-11:00 am 8:30-11:30 am 8:30-11:00 am
Lunch * Lunch * Lunch * may be added 1-3 days may be added 1-5 days may be added 1-5 days 11:00-11:45 am 11:00-11:45 am 11:30 am -12:15 pm
Young Explorers * Young Explorers * Young Explorers * may be added 1-3 days may be added 1-5 days may be added 1-5 days 11:45 am-2:45 pm 11:45 am-2:45 pm 12:15-2:45 pm
Thur & Fri mornings, and/ * These options may be * These options may be or Lunch, and/or Young added prior to the start of added prior to the start of Explorers may be added school and may be changed school and may be changed prior to the start of school again at three additional again at three additional and may be changed again points throughout the year. points throughout the year. at three additional points throughout the year.
15 16 engage Kindergarten • A curriculum, environment, faculty, and staff that recognizes and supports kindergarten as an important transitional year in your child’s program highlights educational experience, with two full-time teachers per classroom
• Engagement in large and small group learning settings, cooperative learning projects, and self-initiated learning ventures
• A math curriculum that includes direct instruction, open-ended exploration, practical application of skills, and increased conceptual understanding
• Math topics that include number sense and operations, geometry and “I feel like I got a lot spatial sense, measurement, patterns, functions, algebra, and data smarter in kindergarten. analysis and probability • A reading program that promotes early literacy through shared My teachers taught reading with a partner or teacher and strong focus on fluency and me a lot of things I comprehension • Writing workshops that provide students the opportunity to express didn’t know yet.” personal thoughts and ideas as well as practice emerging writing skills 1st Grade Student • A Learning Enhancement Team that meets with students in small groups to develop and enhance phonemic awareness skills
• Special area teachers in additional subjects including visual art, Chinese/Spanish, library, music, physical education, science, and swimming
17 18 discover Kelly Kimball,Parent he’s learnedtolistenhimself.” going onatHawken. He feelslistenedtoatschool,and of being.AndIjustknow thatthat’s ofthelistening part Hawken. It’s confidentandkindway justawonderful, “I’m amazed atthevoice mychildhasdiscovered at A day in the life of kindergarten
A typical kindergarten day involves children engaged in large and small groups learning settings, cooperative learning projects, and a host of explorative and self-initiated learning activities. Daily investigation time allows your child to choose to work in the art, construction, dramatic play, inventions, library, research, math puzzles and games, or writing areas of the room as he or she is encouraged to explore personal interests, try something new, and express him or her self freely through play.
• Morning routines include reading the Morning Message with a teacher and small group of students, independently managing personal belongings from home, and completing morning Enrichment opportunities work. Next, students may choose an activity that supports initial interactions with friends and sets a Hawken School offers kindergarten students positive tone for the school day. the opportunity to participate in a myriad of enrichment classes in our after school Passport • Morning Meeting follows and continues to Program. These classes are offered in the hours be an integral component of the school day where students are recognized as individuals immediately following the normal school day and and contributing members of their classroom are taught by Hawken faculty and professionals community. During these meetings, students have from the community. Classes promote creativity, the opportunity to greet one another, share a academic enrichment, physical activity, and personal story or new interest, and participate in a relaxation for every student. group activity as they transition into the school day. • Interspersed throughout the day, various Extended Day support workshops focus on math and literacy skills. During workshops, students work together with teachers Before and After School Care for kindergarten in small groups on benchmarks along the Hawken students is available Monday through Friday from Developmental Continuum. Small groupings allow teachers to identify students’ individual skills 7:00 am until the beginning of the school day and plan curriculum to meet their developing and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm each afternoon. competencies. Students enrolled in After School Care enjoy playing in the familiar Nido environment as well • Recess is another activity time that addresses developing gross motor skills. Students have the as the Early Childhood Playground. This care can opportunity to play on the playground each day. be scheduled regularly or on an as needed basis During inclement weather, students enjoy gross and is billed by the hour at the end of each month. motor activities in the Nido community space.
• Routines are an important component of the day and include activities such as read-alouds, poetry notebook, reflections, snack, quiet time, and Closing Meeting. Taking time to reflect with students about their day is an important component of the learning process.
For more information on Before and After School Options, visit hawken.edu/BeforeAfterSchool
19 20 passion “What I value about Hawken is that we are allies in the educational experience, intellectual growth, and character building of our children. Hawken reinforces what we do at home in a true partnership.” Nailah Suggs, Parent
Personalized assessments
Hawken’s nationally recognized Developmental Continuum is our primary student assessment tool. A personal portfolio highlighting your child’s academic and social progress, this electronic document represents a collection of your child’s work over an extended period of time and fills the role traditionally represented by school report cards.
This meaningful method of assessment represents our child- centered approach by honoring and celebrating the fact that children learn in different ways and at different rates. As teachers share what your child looks like as a learner through a sequence of benchmarks designating specific progression of development and anecdotal observations, the partnership between home and school is strengthened. Hawken’s Continuum equips parents like you with the knowledge and tools you need to support your child’s growth.
21 “Field Trips and service learning experiences provide a lens through which young children can view the world beyond their home and school community. An example of the breadth of this outlook is evident in the kindergarten service learning project. Kindergartners work with Heifer International by raising money to buy a goat for a family in Africa. When receiving a goat, families are gifted a predictable source of income through selling the goat’s milk, which provides finances for their children to attend school, better nutrition for their families, and an overall improved quality of life. Upon completing their service learning, kindergartners come away with an idea of how children’s lives around the world differ from their own. Additionally, this project provides proof to each child of the profound effect their efforts have in positively benefitting others.” Emma Ferek, Kindergarten Teacher real world real
22 Real world engagement
Real world learning at Hawken begins with the most basic form of diversity: coeducation. As one parent shared, “I want to raise children who can interact with the real world. We need to learn as young as possible to treat other genders as valued, respected, intelligent, and equal members of our society. How do you go about doing that without being exposed to those individuals at an early age?” “The co-ed environment helps Other real life learning and service opportunities are boys see girls as friends and vice imbedded throughout the existing curriculum and are versa. That’s incredibly important. carefully introduced in age-appropriate activities starting The kids recognize the day-in and in preschool. Once in kindergarten, your child will travel to day-out value of different genders University Circle as they begin to explore the neighborhood in terms of team work, peer surrounding our urban extension campus, The Sally & Bob relationships, and friendship.” Gries Center for Experiential and Service Learning. The Gries Lynne Gerace, Parent Center is located on Magnolia Drive with close proximity to vital community organizations and world renowned cultural, medical, and educational institutions. This initial introduction to the local community supports the deepening relationship students will develop with Cleveland’s community and cultural organizations in future years.
Your child will also be introduced to the larger global community through Hawken’s world language program, which exposes students to cultures through literacy and activities that hone their mental capabilities while helping to establish their identity as a global citizen.
23 A community for families
As the parent of a Hawken student, you will become part of a warm, friendly school environment filled “Hawken does a great job with others who have chosen Hawken because of our welcoming families into mission and ethos. the community from the Host Families to the Parents’ Just as there is not a typical Hawken student, there is Association. It helps new parents not a typical Hawken parent. As one mother explains, coming in to find friends.” “Hawken does a great job of welcoming everyone Tonya Thomas into the community. There’s a place for everyone here. Parents’ Association President Parents get to be who we are, too.” Hawken parents find it easy and helpful to form and foster connections with other families in this supportive community.
For more information about Hawken’s Parents’ Association, visit hawken.edu/Parents
24 “As a working mom, if I can’t be at a particular event, I know that another parent will send a picture. I’ll be in a meeting and the text will come through. I’ve always felt that when you come into Hawken, you’re part of a family. That’s the rapport we have without ever asking for it. That’s invaluable.” Melissa Burrows, Parent
25 The journey ahead
Studies show that instilling habits of a mind early on can make a significant difference in the kind of student and learner your child will become in the future. Hawken’s academic and social curriculum incorporates the skills, knowledge, and character that will enable your child to flourish in our interconnected world. at a glance at
Our Early Childhood program feeds directly into our Lower School program. With established habits and a strong academic base, your child will feel comfortable and self-assured as he or she enters the next step alongside Hawken friends. These friends will become lifelong companions as your child’s educational journey continues.
We hope that you will join us in this essential partnership in your child’s life.
For more information about Hawken’s Lower School, visit hawken.edu/LowerSchool
26 Established Founded by 1915 James A. Hawken
Lyndhurst Campus Faculty with Preschool – Grade 8 advanced degrees 580 72% students
$7.8 National Merit Recognition million over past 10 years Financial Aid awarded annually
Students K-12 Student Body 105 receiving semifinalists financial aid 1,045 42% Boys & Girls at a glance at
Students of Color University Circle Campus The Sally and Bob Gries Center for 29% Experiential and Service Learning
Gates Mills Campus Transportation available in Grades 9-12 20+ 465 communities students
27 The best way to get to know Hawken is to come and visit.
For more information, please contact us at 440.423.2950 or visit www.hawken.edu
We look forward to welcoming you.
“We’re all friends at Hawken.” Preschool Student
Karen Doyle Associate Director of Admission, Lower & Middle Schools [email protected]
Brooke Marcy Assistant Director of Admission, Early Childhood [email protected]
Joy Desmond Admission Assistant, Lyndhurst Campus [email protected] Lower and Middle Schools 5000 Clubside Drive Lyndhurst, Ohio 44124 440.423.2950
Upper School PO Box 8002 Gates Mills, Ohio 44040 440.423.2955 [email protected] www.hawken.edu