Beginning School

Children typically begin attending preschool at three or four years old, though some schools offer programs for children as young as two. Rowland Hall requires students to have met the age requirement (3 years old for 3PreK and 4 years old for 4PreK) by September 1 of the school year.

Sending your child to preschool is one of the best ways to prepare them for success, not only in future years of school but also for life. Studies show that students who attend preschool are more likely to demonstrate high-functioning skills—such as strong emotional and social intelligence, curiosity, and discipline—later in life, and also more likely to report high rates of fulfilling relationships and fulfilling careers.

Learn more about the benefits of early childhood education in our March 2022 Fine Print feature story, “Beginnings Matter: Introducing Students to Joyful Learning at the Beginning School,” or download Rowland Hall’s tips for choosing a top-tier early childhood education program.

Rowland Hall’s Beginning School offers the following preschool and kindergarten schedule options:

• 3PreK (three full days): Tuesday–Thursday, 8:15 am–3:15 pm
• 3PreK (three half days*): Tuesday–Thursday, 8:15 am–12:30 pm
• 3PreK/4PreK (five half days*): Monday–Friday, 8:15 am–12:30 pm
• 3PreK/4PreK (five full days): Monday–Friday, 8:15 am–3:15 pm
• Kindergarten (five full days): Monday–Friday, 8:15 am–3:15 pm

Our three-day 3PreK classes are intentionally scheduled on three consecutive days (Tuesday–Thursday). This consistent schedule and rhythm help children build familiarity and comfort with the school experience, week by week.

*Half-day students have the option to switch to full day after a conversation between families and the school.

In the state of Utah, kindergartners must be five years old before September 2 of the upcoming school year to enroll in kindergarten. At Rowland Hall, we use a September 1 birthday as a cutoff for entry to our Beginning School classes.

If you’re able to enroll your child in preschool, consider doing so, as a high-quality early childhood program helps prepare students to excel in kindergarten—academically, socially, and emotionally. And whether or not your child attends preschool, your family can also play a role in preparing them for kindergarten. There are many activities you can do at home to help ensure your child’s success, including reading together, doing art, counting, identifying shapes, cooking, and discussing emotions. Check out the Utah State Board of Education’s pamphlet “Ready! Set! Go! Supporting Your Child’s Learning in Kindergarten” for more ways to support your child and to learn what schools expect them to be able to do when they enter kindergarten.

You may also want to check out Rowland Hall’s blog post on five things to look for when choosing an independent private kindergarten program for more information on picking the right school for your child.

Students do not need to know how to read to enroll in Rowland Hall’s Beginning School. Through our multi-layered literacy approach to reading and writing, students build on their abilities and strengths. Multi-sensory phonics, reading, and writing are integrated through a variety of materials, experiences, and activities.

Yes, students need to be potty trained before enrolling in any of our Beginning School programs.

We have found that the students who are most successful in our kindergarten classes:

• know the names of almost all the letters in the alphabet;
• have a solid understanding of letter-sound correspondence and can decode many consonant-vowel-consenant words (e.g., CAT);
• can write their own name;
• use inventive spelling; and
• count accurately, with one-to-one correspondence, to at least 10.

We recognize that children enter kindergarten with a wide range of diverse educational experiences and backgrounds, and encourage you to contact our admission team to discuss any specific requirements or unique aspects of your family’s situation. We’re happy to help!

Rowland Hall uses Units of Study (literacy), Bridges in Mathematics, and science curricula aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Our robust curricula are consistent in grades K–5.

While schedules vary by classroom and day, families can expect a structured daily routine that’s familiar to their child and that may include the following:

• A morning meeting to provide an overview of the day
• Daily instruction, exploration, and play centered around our research-backed early childhood curriculum and specialties (this learning may also take place outdoors)
• Lunch with peers, followed by outdoor play
• Two recesses (morning and afternoon)
• Rest time, where students can nap or quietly read or draw
• Free choice time
• Afternoon circle time to reflect on the day

Classroom doors open at 8:15 am each morning. School ends at 12:30 pm for 3PreK and 4PreK half-day students and 3:15 pm for all other classes.

Children in 3PreK and 4PreK do not wear uniforms. Families are asked to send these students in clothes that easily promote self-dressing skills, are appropriate for play and messy activities, are not distracting for themselves or their peers, and are not hazardous on the playground. A uniform is required once students begin kindergarten and are ready for increased expectations. Kindergartners may wear non-uniform clothes, within the dress code, on Fridays, the first and last days of school, and picture day.

Yes. Rowland Hall’s Extended Day program is a flexible solution for families’ before- and after-school childcare needs. Beginning schoolers can register for both AM Extended Day (7:30–8:15 am ) and PM Extended Day (3:15–5:30 pm).