Kingsley’s program supports these goals through highly trained, skilled teachers who know, guide, and challenge each child in developmentally-appropriate ways. Consistent themes run through all levels of our program.
- Multi-age classrooms, Preschool through Upper Elementary
- Montessori materials for hands-on learning
- Student independence and autonomy
- Extended work cycles
- Respect and courtesy
Three-Year Cycle
The three-year cycle is a fundamental element of Montessori education. Within this model, younger children learn from older peers, who serve as role models and classroom leaders. In many Montessori programs, students remain in the same classroom community for three years.
Our Kingsley Entry Program (KEP) classrooms are designed to reflect this structure through a combination of one-year and two-year classroom experiences that together mirror the traditional three-year Montessori cycle. This approach helps new students become familiar with the Montessori classroom environment and prepares them for success in Elementary. The materials are familiar, and many routines remain consistent.
This consistency from year to year provides security and a sense of ownership, and as children develop and change, their use of the materials changes too. Competence, confidence, and pride are the gifts of the three-year cycle.
Co-Teaching Model
A hallmark of Kingsley’s program is its co-teaching model, which begins in Toddler and continues through Sixth Grade. Each classroom is led by a collaborative team of two or three educators, depending on the level, including lead teachers and assistant teachers. Together, they support and guide students, appropriately challenge each child, and help every student reach their full potential.
Teaching teams work closely together to plan lessons, deliver instruction, and assess student progress. This collaborative approach creates a more dynamic, responsive, and engaging learning environment than would be possible with a single teacher working alone.
The co-teaching model is a significant investment, but one that reflects Kingsley’s deep commitment to its students and the quality of their educational experience.
Capstone Experiences
As the oldest students within each three-year Montessori cycle, children take on increasing leadership responsibilities and participate in milestone experiences that reflect their growth and readiness for the next stage of development. These capstone experiences help students develop confidence, independence, self-awareness, and a strong sense of community.
Transition to Next Schools
Sixth Grade students also participate in experiences designed to support a confident and successful transition to middle school. Each graduating student is paired with a Faculty Mentor who provides guidance, encouragement, and support throughout the year. Through regular meetings and conversations, mentors help students develop organization, self-awareness, problem-solving skills, and confidence as they prepare for their next school experience.
As part of this process, students participate in a series of mock interviews designed to strengthen communication and self-advocacy skills. Students meet individually with faculty and staff members, including the Director of Next School Counseling, for practice interviews that mirror the experience of independent school admissions interviews. Following each interview, students receive thoughtful feedback on their speaking, presentation, and ability to reflect on their experiences and goals. Through this process, students build confidence while learning to present themselves authentically and thoughtfully.
Families also receive individualized support throughout the next school process through Kingsley’s Next School Counseling program.
To learn more about our Toddler through Upper Elementary curriculum, read our Curriculum Guide.