Kindergarten
Their BWL Story Starts Here.
Kindergarten is a big beginning. It’s where children start to see themselves as readers and writers, thinkers and creators, classmates and friends. It’s where they find their voice, stretch their independence, uncover new interests, and experience the pride of realizing, I can do this.
At BWL, we believe this first year of school should open up a world of possibility. We surround children with the people, experiences, challenges, and encouragement that help them feel secure enough to take risks, curious enough to keep asking questions, and confident enough to try something new.
They arrive as Kindergartners. They finish the year knowing more, doing more, and believing more in themselves.
And they’re just getting started!
WHERE A STRONG START BECOMES SO MUCH MORE
Our Kindergarten program is intentionally designed around the way young children grow. Strong academics are balanced with movement, creativity, exploration, play, and meaningful opportunities to build independence and connection.
Students develop early literacy skills through structured, research-based instruction, build mathematical understanding through hands-on problem-solving, investigate the world through science and STEAM, and begin exploring two world languages. Along the way, they are also learning how to make friends, work through challenges, contribute to a group, speak up, listen to others, and take greater responsibility for themselves.
And their classroom extends well beyond four walls. Kindergarteners learn in our art and music studios, library, hydroponic farm, STEAM spaces, rooftop play areas, and throughout New York City.
By the end of Kindergarten, our goal is bigger than preparing children academically for first grade. We want them to leave excited by what they can do, confident in who they are becoming, and eager for what comes next.
A Day Designed for Kindergartners
Five-year-olds need to read, write, count, question, create, move, play, talk, listen, and explore. At BWL, all of that has a place in the Kindergarten day.
Focused academic instruction is balanced with hands-on exploration, creative expression, physical activity, outdoor play, and time to build friendships and independence. Students move throughout the school, learning with their classroom teachers and specialists in spaces dedicated to art, music, science, STEAM, physical education, library, and more.
The result is a day with variety and purpose, designed to keep young children engaged while giving them the strong academic and social-emotional foundation they need to grow.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education four times a week
Building coordination, strength, confidence, teamwork, and a love of movement.
LIONS ROAM NEW YORK
By taking learning beyond textbooks and traditional classroom walls, Lions Roam NY cultivates curiosity and a sense of belonging within the vibrant urban environment of New York City.
TECH, DESIGN, & STEAM
Whether through high-tech, low-tech, or even no-tech hands-on projects, Lower School students develop a versatile and resilient skill set that prepares them to navigate and shape the future with confidence.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
The hands-on approach of experiential learning is integrated into daily activities to foster growth and curiosity. Lower students will work with our Hydroponic and Aquaponic Farms, learning sustainable agriculture, developing a sense of environmental stewardship, and fostering a connection with nature, helping to shape their understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
The hands-on approach of experiential learning is integrated into daily activities to foster growth and curiosity. Lower students will work with our Hydroponic and Aquaponic Farms, learning sustainable agriculture, developing a sense of environmental stewardship, and fostering a connection with nature, helping to shape their understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
The hands-on approach of experiential learning is integrated into daily activities to foster growth and curiosity. Lower students will work with our Hydroponic and Aquaponic Farms, learning sustainable agriculture, developing a sense of environmental stewardship, and fostering a connection with nature, helping to shape their understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
Physical Education four times a week
Building coordination, strength, confidence, teamwork, and a love of movement.
Daily Outdoor Recess
Building coordination, strength, confidence, teamwork, and a love of movement.
Open Street access three times a week
Additional outdoor play and movement in a large, open space right outside our doors.
Art and Music twice a week
Regular opportunities to create, perform, experiment, and express themselves.
Library time twice a week
Building a relationship with books and nurturing the joy of reading.
Weekly STEAM and Chess
Hands-on problem-solving, experimentation, strategic thinking, and plenty of opportunities to ask, What if?
A Joyful Journey in Language Arts
Our program immerses students in rich language experiences, allowing them to discover the joy of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. We nurture their phonological awareness as they begin to hear, recognize, and engage with the sounds in spoken language. This early exposure to language through daily real-alouds, songs, and dramatic play builds a solid foundation for future literacy.
Shaping the Mind for Math Mastery
Our young learners are introduced to the fundamental concepts of mathematics. They explore basic numbers by counting objects, recognizing numerals, and understanding simple shapes and patterns. Hands-on materials like blocks, counting bears, and number lines are used to make abstract concepts concrete. We incorporate everyday experiences to connect math to real-life situations. Activities such as setting a table, comparing sizes of toys, or measuring ingredients for a simple recipe encourage students to apply their math skills in practical contexts.
Emerging literacy skills and mathematics are complemented by instruction in STEAM, library, physical education, music, world language, and visual and performing arts.
Program Overview
We embrace the guiding principle of "Know, Connect, Challenge," that serves as the cornerstone of our approach. We are dedicated to understanding each child's unique qualities and interests and fostering a sense of belonging. Our mission extends beyond loving them for who they are; we aim to empower them to explore, grow, and excel through tailored challenges and gentle encouragement.
Our curriculum promotes independence and self-esteem, stimulates curiosity and creativity, and instills a lifelong love of learning. Through a warm and encouraging atmosphere, our devoted educators ensure every child feels seen, cherished, and excited about their journey of self-discovery and growth.
Program Overview
We embrace the guiding principle of "Know, Connect, Challenge," that serves as the cornerstone of our approach. We are dedicated to understanding each child's unique qualities and interests and fostering a sense of belonging. Our mission extends beyond loving them for who they are; we aim to empower them to explore, grow, and excel through tailored challenges and gentle encouragement.
Our curriculum promotes independence and self-esteem, stimulates curiosity and creativity, and instills a lifelong love of learning. Through a warm and encouraging atmosphere, our devoted educators ensure every child feels seen, cherished, and excited about their journey of self-discovery and growth.
Program Snapshot:
Five-day, full-day program
8:30 a.m.–2:45 p.m., with the option of an extended enrichment program until
5:00 p.m.
$42,500 annual tuition
Students entering Pre-K must turn four by October 15 of the school year for which they are applying.
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Highly experienced and qualified teachers
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Curriculum designed to focus on the whole child
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Unique learning opportunities, including exploring our on-campus Hydroponic and Aquaponic Farms
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Weekly enrichment schedule including music and movement, art, physical education, world languages, and library time
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Participation in school traditions and many opportunities to be connected to the greater school community
Early Foundations for Lifelong Learning
At BWL, we recognize that Pre-K is a crucial stage when children begin to develop the essential skills for lifelong learning. School is fun, and learning is exciting when literacy, math, and more meet creativity, connection, and unlimited imagination.
A Joyful Journey in Language Arts
Our program immerses students in rich language experiences, allowing them to discover the joy of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. We nurture their phonological awareness as they begin to hear, recognize, and engage with the sounds in spoken language. This early exposure to language through daily real-alouds, songs, and dramatic play builds a solid foundation for future literacy.
Shaping the Mind for Math Mastery
Our young learners are introduced to the fundamental concepts of mathematics. They explore basic numbers by counting objects, recognizing numerals, and understanding simple shapes and patterns. Hands-on materials like blocks, counting bears, and number lines are used to make abstract concepts concrete. We incorporate everyday experiences to connect math to real-life situations. Activities such as setting a table, comparing sizes of toys, or measuring ingredients for a simple recipe encourage students to apply their math skills in practical contexts.
Emerging literacy skills and mathematics are complemented by instruction in STEAM, library, physical education, music, world language, and visual and performing arts.
Unique Aspects of the BWL Program
Our Pre-K students are part of the BWL community, affording them exclusive learning opportunities at one of the only coed Pre-K–12 schools on the Upper East Side.
- Our balanced approach offers strong academics plus play, exploration, and experiential learning.
- STEAM activities spur curiosity and creativity, giving students practical applications for learning.
- Performing and visual arts engage the mind in new ways, encouraging creativity and expression.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
The hands-on approach of experiential learning is integrated into daily activities to foster growth and curiosity, allowing children to explore and engage in new ways. Pre-K students will work with our Hydroponic and Aquaponic Farms, learning sustainable agriculture, developing a sense of environmental stewardship, and fostering a connection with nature, helping to shape their understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
DISCOVERIES THROUGH STEAM
The integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities spurs curiosity and creativity leading to brilliant discoveries! Our vibrant Makerspace invites students to unleash their imaginations, experiment with ideas, and bring their inventions to life. These engaging activities inspire young minds to ask questions, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a passion for learning.
EXPRESSION THROUGH THE ARTS
Theater classes take students on imaginative journeys where storytelling, songs, and creative movement combine to ignite creativity and enhance developmental skills. The captivating melodies of our World Music program transport children on a musical exploration of other cultures, offering an insight into the rich tapestry of global musical traditions. Young minds develop a sense of curiosity and creativity a deep appreciation for diverse cultures.
Focus on the Whole Child
We recognize that children’s holistic well-being, including their social, physical, and emotional health, is essential for their learning and development. We focus on educating and nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.
"Our son has been nurtured and loved by the teachers and has found a strong circle of friends with the other students at BWL. The curriculum is strong and creative, and we love all the opportunities for exciting learning experiences the school provides. But most of all, we really love this community."
—BWL Parent
Why Choose Pre-K–12th Grade
Our Pre-K–12 experience builds a strong, tight-knit community by bringing together students, families, faculty, and staff over many years. Teachers get to know students and their needs before they arrive in their classrooms, helping them prepare students for success at the next level.
This long-term connection fosters a sense of belonging and stability as everyone becomes familiar with our community’s values, traditions, and goals. This also provides a continuous educational experience, where each grade builds on the previous grade in an intentional yet natural progression that helps students avoid gaps in learning, achieving deeper understanding of concepts and better academic outcomes.
Students benefit from forming lasting friendships, cross-divisional connections, and supportive relationships with teachers who understand their growth and needs over time.
Families also enjoy a unified experience, participating in school events and activities and developing a deeper engagement with the school’s community. This ongoing relationship creates a supportive network that enriches both academic and social experiences for everyone involved.
The Four Pillars of BWL
BWL's Four Pillars are the cornerstone of our school. They inform every aspect of our program, community, and culture.
Explore the Four Pillars
- Strong Community
- Rigorous and Traditional Curriculum with Innovation
- Deep Sense of Exploration
- Commitment to Constructive Dialogue and Democratic Values
Strong Community
Rigorous and Traditional Curriculum with Innovation
Deep Sense of Exploration
Commitment to Constructive Dialogue and Democratic Values
What's next?
Visit Us
Our Admissions team looks forward to meeting you! We hope you will join us for an information session and a tour to see our building and students in action. We also welcome all prospective families to Open House on Wednesday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m. You can register for both opportunities via Ravenna.
Click here to Register via Ravenna
Explore the Admissions Process
Applications are open now through Thursday, January 9, 2025. Students applying for the Pre-K program must turn four years old by October 15 of the school year for which they are applying. Tuition for the Pre-K program is $42,500.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT BWL ADMISSIONS
Learn More About BWL
Academics, Athletics, the Arts, and a united community are all important parts of the BWL experience.
