Kindergarten
A structured Kindergarten program aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning, combining strong academic foundations with Curie's STEAM++ Curriculum, inquiry, hands-on learning, creativity, problem-solving, movement, and social-emotional development.
Placement is based on your child's age as of September 30 and on individual readiness.
The Program
A Strong Foundation for Elementary School
Curie's Kindergarten is a distinct academic program — not an extension of Pre-Kindergarten. Children engage in a Virginia Standards of Learning-aligned curriculum delivered by experienced teachers in a nurturing, small-class environment, with the individualized attention of a small private school.
Kindergarten at Curie integrates Curie's STEAM++ Curriculum with strong academic instruction in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies — combining hands-on learning, inquiry, creativity, movement, and social-emotional development with a formal academic program.
5–6 years
Age range
VA SOL
Standards-aligned curriculum
STEAM++
Enrichment every day
What Kindergarten Covers
A full academic year supporting children's growth across all the areas that matter most:
Literacy & Language Arts
Phonemic and phonological awareness, letter-sound relationships, phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension, read-alouds, guided and independent reading as developmentally appropriate, handwriting, sentence development, early writing, and storytelling.
Mathematics
Number sense, counting and quantities, comparing numbers, addition and subtraction foundations, patterns, shapes and geometry, measurement, mathematical reasoning, problem-solving, and hands-on use of materials and manipulatives.
Science & Inquiry
Observation, questioning, prediction, investigation, experimentation, nature exploration, discussion, evidence, cause and effect, and problem-solving — connected naturally with Curie's inquiry-based approach and STEAM++ Curriculum.
Social Studies
Families and communities, citizenship, classroom community, history and change over time, geography and the world around us, responsibility, and cooperation.
Social-Emotional Development
Self-regulation, confidence, independence, classroom responsibility, communication, cooperation, friendships, persistence, problem-solving, and respectful participation in a classroom community.
Creativity, Movement & Physical Development
Art, creativity, music, movement, physical activity, outdoor experiences, fine-motor development, and gross-motor development — woven into the Kindergarten day.
The Kindergarten Curriculum
Six subject areas taught by experienced teachers — academically strong, joyful, and deeply connected.
Reading & Phonics
Phonemic and phonological awareness, letter-sound relationships, phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension, read-alouds, and guided and independent reading experiences as developmentally appropriate.
Writing & Communication
Handwriting, sentence development, early writing in multiple forms, storytelling, and opportunities to communicate ideas clearly through speaking and writing.
Mathematics
Hands-on number sense, counting, operations, geometry, measurement, patterns, and mathematical reasoning — aligned to Virginia Kindergarten SOL standards.
Science & STEAM++ Curriculum
Observation, questioning, investigation, experimentation, and nature exploration — enriched through Curie's STEAM++ Curriculum with design challenges, building, and collaborative projects.
Social Studies
Families, community, citizenship, history, geography, and responsibility — building a sense of identity, place, and belonging.
Specials & STEAM++ Curriculum
Music, art, movement, and physical activity are woven into the Kindergarten week — alongside STEAM++ Curriculum projects that extend and deepen classroom learning.
Daily Rhythm
A Day in Kindergarten
A structured, engaging day that balances academic instruction with hands-on learning, inquiry, creativity, and movement.
Arrival & Classroom Routines
Children arrive, settle into morning work, and prepare for the day at the learning centers.
Morning Meeting & Community
The class gathers for community-building, calendar, and a morning snack before the academic block begins.
English Language Arts
Literacy, phonics, reading, and writing fill the core morning block through whole-group lessons and small-group instruction.
Mathematics & STEAM++ Curriculum
Hands-on math, science, inquiry, and STEAM++ investigations run through the late morning.
Outdoor or Gross-Motor Activity
Children have scheduled outdoor play each day. When weather does not permit, indoor gross-motor activities take place in our Great Room.
Lunch & Rest
A shared meal, then quiet rest time.
Afternoon Learning & Projects
Social studies, science, art, creative projects, small-group work, a second outdoor session (or Great Room time when weather does not permit), and STEAM++ curriculum experiences round out the afternoon.
Every single day
Outdoor play·STEAM++ curriculum·Literacy instruction·Small-group teaching
Doors open 8:00 am · Standard day ends 3:00 pm · Extended day closes 6:00 pm
Times are approximate. Our teachers follow the children's energy — a great inquiry discussion sometimes runs long, and that's exactly as it should be.
"My toddler has been attending this pre-school for over 6 months now and we are pleased with the transition we have noticed in her. My toddler has shown tremendous improvement in terms of social skills and being able to articulate her needs better. Being able to learn some of the core life skills and values at a tender age in a supportive, caring environment ensure kids develop to be better human beings and I can certainly say in that regard, this preschool has helped nurture her skills while inculcating good habits. Overall, it just doesn't feel like a mere transaction but an extended family that really cares about the overall growth of the child. The staff are very supportive and ensure child's overall needs are taken care of and my child is eager to be at the preschool."
Bharath A.
Herndon Campus
Tuition & Scheduling
Two scheduling options designed around your family's needs.
Full Day
The complete Kindergarten experience — a full academic day plus afternoon enrichment.
EnrollStandard Day
Includes the full academic program and specials — ideal for families with afternoon activities or commitments.
EnrollSibling Discount
Families with multiple children enrolled at Curie receive a sibling discount on tuition.
EnrollSee our Admissions page for current tuition and fees, or contact us with any questions.
Common Questions
See Kindergarten at Curie
Tour our classrooms and see how strong academic foundations, Curie's STEAM++ Curriculum, inquiry, and creativity come together in a warm, small-class environment.