ICMS offers a rich kindergarten program.  Children develop a strong foundation for the first grade by building on all earlier learning experiences.  Children are guided in learning of numbers, letters and writing skills as they progress through the year.  More importantly, children gain a strong independence and wonderful confidence in themselves and their abilities.  Each kindergartener, as with the preschoolers, is given a personalized curriculum which addresses individual needs and levels.

There are two options/approaches for kindergarten at ICMS.  The  first option is to piggyback with the public school half-day kindergarten program where the students spend the first part of their day at public school and then join us for lunch and an afternoon program.  The children thrive with this approach as they have an opportunity to enter the “big” school to prepare for future education and then come to ICMS for the later part of the day to a comfortable, familar place where they can stretch their wings.  With this approach, children experience the best of both worlds.

The second option is a half-day program at ICMS.  This option offers the students all of the above opportunities as well as  the ability to schedule swimming lessons and other offerings with the Bainbridge Island Parks and Rec. 

Children in the kindergarten programs can expect to focus on both academic and non-academic experiences during the school year.  While being gently guided by teachers, students are encouraged to solidify their knowledge and to move ahead with confidence and excitement.  Listed below are some areas in which the children will be working.

o      Language arts

     §       Building phonic and blending skills

     §       Creative writing and story telling skills

     §       Penmanship

o      Math

     §       Numeration

     §       Linear counting

     §       Base 10 and place values

     §       Math operations

o      Geography

     §       Map skills

     §       Cultural exploration

     §       Biosystems of the earth

     §       Solar system

o      Science

     §       Explore nature

     §       Discover scientific principles

     §       Experiments and observations

o      Art

     §       Self expression

     §       Meet the masters

     §       Small motor development

     §       Exploring different media

 Both of the above options continue to offer all the benefits enjoyed by ICMS students, such as Music Together with Heather Scott.  As with all the programs at ICMS, the kindergarten program follow the BISD with the exception we do not have half-day early dismissal or conference weeks off.