Ms. Sarah shares her perspective on the Kingsley Entry Program (KEP)

KEP 1 is designed especially for children joining Kingsley at age three. This classroom is composed entirely of children at a similar stage, offering a gentle and supportive introduction to both Montessori and our school community. After their first year, students move into KEP 2, where they continue their journey through Pre-K (P4) and Kindergarten in a mixed-age classroom, completing a meaningful three-year cycle together.

While KEP 1 and KEP 2 are physically two classrooms, we truly see them as one connected community. Each week, KEP 1 students visit the KEP 2 classroom, where they begin building relationships with teachers and older peers. These visits help children feel comfortable, confident, and excited about what is ahead. As our program continues to grow, we look forward to creating more opportunities for older students to visit KEP 1, naturally stepping into roles as helpers and role models.

Thus it happens that at the age of three, life seems to begin again; for now consciousness shines forth in all its fullness and glory."

–Maria Montessori

The three-year-old year is such a special and important time. It is a moment of transition, as children move from the toddler stage into a new phase of development. During this time, they are growing in independence, language, social awareness, and confidence. It is also a transition for families, as everyone adjusts to new routines and experiences. 

By offering a dedicated KEP 1 classroom, we are able to honor this stage in a thoughtful way. Children are given the time they need to settle in, explore, and begin to understand the rhythms of a Montessori environment—all within a space designed just for them. This helps build a strong sense of comfort and security as they take these important first steps.

As a teacher who has spent nearly 20 years in Montessori 3–6 classrooms, I deeply value the beauty of the mixed-age environment and the richness of the traditional three-year cycle. At the same time, it has been incredibly meaningful to spend more time focusing on this first year—an intentional beginning of a thoughtfully designed three-year journey. This dedicated focus allows us to better understand and support both children and parents as they navigate this important period of growth, transition, and discovery.

We feel especially lucky to have Ms. Haley, our KEP floater teacher, who moves between both classrooms each day. Her presence brings a wonderful sense of consistency and connection, helping to weave the two classrooms together. With our shared experience in both toddler and mixed-age settings, Rallee and I are able to intentionally create an environment that supports each child’s growing independence, resilience, and confidence during this period of transition. 

Already this year, we have seen so much growth in our KEP students. It has been such a joy to watch them settle in, build relationships, and take pride in their work and independence. We are truly excited to continue growing this program and strengthening the connections within our KEP community. 

MEET THE WRITER: Sarah Crowley is a Montessori educator with over 20 years of classroom experience. She holds a M.Ed. in Montessori Education as well as an NEMTEC Montessori 3–6 certificate. Sarah is also a Kingsley parent! You can reach her at [email protected].