​The VMS Preschool and Kindergarten Program is a three or four-year experience of profound growth—in social-emotional development, self-understanding, and academics. The journey builds year after year: from exploration to contribution to confident leadership. Children leave with more than knowledge—

they leave with character, compassion, and purpose.

Each year increases in complexity, challenge, and joy. It’s preparation for life.

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First Year: The New Explorer 

Young children enter as the littlest members of a bustling community. They’re learning the rhythm, grace, and expectations of a classroom that runs on freedom and responsibility.

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• Practical Life builds movement coordination and independence

• Language expands through conversation, song, and clear articulation

• Sensorial materials help children refine perceptions and organize experience

 

This year is all about orientation—with awe, curiosity, and lots of grace.

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Second Year: The Confident Contributor 

Returning students now step into a new role: mentor, model, and helper. They begin internalizing routines and refining earlier lessons into deeper understanding.

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• More advanced Practical Life work builds executive function and concentration

   

• Sensorial activities sharpen focus and logical thought

• Moveable Alphabet work ignites writing and sound-symbol connection

• Math and music instruction deepen cognitive and creative skills

 

They start to look ahead with pride and quiet ambition, even if they don’t yet realize it.

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Third & Fourth Years: The Capstone Years 

The final years in the White Pine Classroom are a beautiful crescendo. Children now lead by example. They work with confidence, curiosity, and creativity. These are years of leadership, mastery, and deep connection.

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• Reading and writing flourish into full expression

• Math operations become intuitive, joyful, and accurate

• Puzzle maps and cultural work evolve into self-made maps and labeled books

• Lessons in science and the arts spark inquiry and wonder

 

Third and fourth year students naturally become the caretakers of the classroom.

They help younger friends with pride and kindness, 

modeling all they’ve learned with quiet confidence.

When they leave VMS, they take with them not just knowledge—

but purpose, self-respect, and a deep joy in learning.

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Our role throughout these years is simple but profound:
to support, guide, encourage, and love them.

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"Help me to do it myself!" – Dr. Maria Montessori