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Early Childhood

Our Approach 

We expect our students to be strong readers and enjoy complex mathematics skills by the end of 3rd grade.Our curriculum in the early years emphasizes the mastery of numbers and letters, but what distinguishes our instructional program from others is its attention to the development of curiosity and self-regulation.

“Our choice to use the "Tools of the Mind" Pre-K curriculum reflects this interest. Intentional play anchors our early grade curriculum and creates conditions in which young children are able to think in imaginative ways and demostrate executive functioning skills taught throughout.”

Kiera Couch
Kiera Couch

Interim Lower School Dean

Phone: 609-643-0379
Email: kcouch@christinaseixacademy.org

Research from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows that the development of foundational literacy and quantitative skills through 3rd grade will play a decisive role in a student’s success. The Foundation’s reports, from 2010 and 2013, summarized early reading research that showed focusing on grade-level reading proficiency was essential in increasing the number of children from low-income families who succeed academically, graduate from high school on time, and do well in life and the workforce. The reports said that ensuring children develop proficient reading skills by the end of 3rd grade was urgently needed. The documents cited powerful analytics, noting that improvements in educational outcomes produced a long-term return to society of $8.24 for every $1 invested during the first four to six years of school, including pre-kindergarten.

Curriculum 

The “Tools of the Mind” curriculum applies principles of neuroscience and developmental theory to build foundational skills in not only academics, but the self-regulation tools that students will need to achieve further success in school and life.

Focusing on intentional play not only helps students learn but teaches them how to learn, creating a curious, inclusive, and regulated classroom.

Teachers have lesson plans, activities, and materials that are accessible daily. Tools of the Mind can be taught by new teachers and 30-year veterans alike, meaning our students’ learning cannot be limited by a teacher’s ability to implement the curriculum. 

The curriculum also includes embedded learning opportunities for teachers. Our teachers can connect with other teachers nationally or globally who are also teaching the same curriculum, hold conversations, give and receive feedback, and create ongoing curriculum improvements. Such partnerships across the educational spectrum help differentiate CSA’s academic approach from other schools. View a sample lesson plan here.

Building the Foundation

Valeen Williams
Valeen Williams

PK - 4th Dance Lead Teacher

Tomtom Johnson
Tomtom Johnson

PK-4th Physical Education Lead Teacher

Nattasha Greaves
Nattasha Greaves

Early Childhood Co Lead Teacher

Patricia Franklin
Patricia Franklin

Pre-K3 Lead Teacher

Jameka Green
Jameka Green

Pre-K4 Associate Teacher

Kymarrah Jordan
Kymarrah Jordan

Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Carla Lopez
Carla Lopez

Pre-K3 Lead Teacher

Glorie Paul
Glorie Paul

Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Amanda Perez
Amanda Perez

Pre-K4 Lead Teacher

Ashley Potter
Ashley Potter

PreK-4 Associate Teacher