Developmental Kindergarten
Class Designed for Children Who Either Just Make or Just Miss the Cut-Off For Public School Kindergarten
Developmental Kindergarten
The Tower Hill School Developmental Kindergarten enrolls those children with Summer and Fall birthdays who are either eligible for public school Kindergarten or just miss the cut off date for their home district.
The class is geared toward children who are developmentally ready for a Kindergarten setting yet would benefit from another year of maturing physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially in a smaller, more contained and nurturing environment.
Students who attend Tower Hill School for Developmental Kindergarten go on to attend either public school Kindergarten or 1st grade the following year.
Exciting Updates to Our Developmental Kindergarten Program for 2026–2027!
We are excited to share some wonderful changes coming to our Developmental Kindergarten Program beginning in the 2026–2027 school year!
Starting next fall, the program day will be extended by 30 minutes, running from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. This additional time will allow us to deepen our academic offerings—especially in social studies and science—and bring our "time on task" more in line with that of public school kindergarten programs, while still staying true to the heart of what makes our program unique.
This update allows us to maintain our strong focus on developmentally appropriate learning, especially for children who just make or just miss the public school kindergarten cutoff. Our curriculum continues to be thoughtfully tailored to support the individual readiness of each child—offering academic growth, confidence-building, and joyful discovery.
Importantly, we will continue to incorporate the play-based approach and optional co-op aspect that families know and love. These elements remain central to our philosophy and create the nurturing, community-driven environment that sets our school apart.
We are also pleased to share that Mrs. Jemella will return as the Developmental Kindergarten teacher for the 2026–2027 academic year. She is thrilled about the extended day and the opportunity it brings to expand learning and connection in meaningful ways.
Kindergarten Enrichment will continue to be offered 2–3 times a week from 1:30–2:30 p.m., providing an extra layer of enrichment for those families who choose it.
Thank you for continuing to grow with us. We look forward to an exciting year ahead!
Children with birthdays from 7/1/21-11/30/21 are eligible to attend.
Curriculum is integrated across all disciplines. Reading, creative writing, grammar, math, science, social studies, art and music are blended together to create thematic units.
Curriculum is traditional in its emphasis on skill development in reading, writing and mathematics utilizing Learning Without Tears and Math in Focus curriculums.
Optional Kindergarten Enrichment twice a week.
Frequent special events are included which enhance classroom learning.
Tuition for 2026-2027 is $8,250 per year paid quarterly or in full.
Reading is taught through phonologial awareness.
Teaching the “Building Block Skills” of listening, study, communication and problem solving are part of every day school life.
“Learning by doing” teaching strategies are used.
Specials, including Bears Care and Physical Education, are taught once a week.