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Little Lakers
2-3 Years Old
This program at University Lake School celebrates the richness of the learning that happens within our Lower School in a developmentally appropriate way for the youngest of learners.
Rooted in a Reggio Emilia–inspired approach, the program nurtures each child’s natural curiosity and capability, with parents as partners and skilled teachers guiding the journey. Our youngest learners engage in meaningful exploration — both indoors and out — while building independence, social-emotional skills, and a love of learning through experiences in nature, art, music, literacy, math, and science.
Junior Kindergarten
3 Years Old
JK3 at University Lake School is a joyful introduction to school life for our three-year-old learners. Grounded in a Reggio Emilia–inspired approach, the program fosters emotional regulation, social connection, and a love of learning through play and exploration.
Families may choose between two unique classroom environments — Prairie or Forest — each embracing the belief that young children learn best in relationship with the natural world. Whether climbing over logs, painting with watercolors, or listening to a story, children engage daily with music, fine arts, emergent literacy, and foundational concepts in math, science, and social studies.
4 Years Old
JK4 at University Lake School supports children as they grow in independence and begin to develop a deeper awareness of others. Through a nurturing, play-based environment, JK4 learners engage in more collaborative play and explore the dynamics of friendship, empathy, and teamwork.
A special part of the JK4 experience is the opportunity to care for the ULS chicken flock — a responsibility that fosters stewardship, curiosity, and a strong sense of community. Through a balance of indoor and outdoor exploration, students build essential skills as they grow in confidence, develop problem-solving abilities, and strengthen social-emotional skills to support future learning.
Our JK3 Classrooms
Senior Kindergarten
5 Years Old
SK at University Lake School marks an important transition into the primary grades, where the value of play continues and academic learning takes on a more active role. Rooted in a Reggio Emilia–inspired approach, students are seen as capable, curious learners who explore their world through observation, questioning, and hands-on investigation.
Early introductions to reading and math equip our five-year-olds with strong foundational skills for reading, writing, and more, while outdoor exploration enriches classroom learning and brings these concepts to life in meaningful and joyful ways.
Our daily learning journey includes:
Nature Experiences
on our 180-acre campus
Rich exposure to mathematics, science and literacy
Social emotional learning
Art, music, and adventuring
Reggio Emilia Approach
University Lake School’s Preprimary programs are inspired by the internationally recognized Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood and preschool education which fosters:
- The interests of each child
- In-depth investigations
- Collaborative group work
- Dramatic play
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Environment as the third teacher
- Emergent curriculum
- Parents are partners in education
Because they are encouraged to observe, question, hypothesize and experiment in authentic, meaningful investigations, the children’s learning extends far beyond basic skills.
Outdoor Learning
Learning outdoors brings out the best in children by enhancing vital attributes of the learning process: awareness, curiosity, observation, risk assessment, problem-solving, dexterity, resilience, cooperation, independence, confidence, and joy. We value time away from screens and have discovered that our explorations outdoors promote both contemplation and community. It has been a quiet foundation of superior academic experiences at ULS for many generations. The youngest learners become immersed in a culture of wonder, adventure, and discovery.
Age Requirements
- Little Lakers - Must be 2 years old by September 1st of the enrolling year. Your child will thrive in this program if they are ready to separate from their parents with intentional attachment support from the teachers and are potty-ready (this means showing an interest in potty-training).
- Preprimary (JK3, JK4, SK) - Must be 3, 4 or 5 years old by September 1st of the enrolling year and potty trained and self-sufficient in the bathroom.
Schedule Options
| Program | Half Day 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Full Day 8 a.m - 3 p.m. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Lakers | 3-day (M/W/F) 5-day | 3-day (M/W/F) 5-day |
| JK3 (3 years olds*) | 3-day (M/W/F) 5-day | 3-day (M/W/F) 5-day |
| JK4 (4 years olds*) | 5-day | 5-day |
| JK5 (5 years olds*) | - | 5-day |
Additional Information
- Spaces are limited. Current students and siblings of current students will receive priority.
- Reach out to Kala Montoya for indexed tuition information.