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Academic

In academic preschools, the emphasis is on performance and achievement. In academic preschools, children spend time on:

  • Language: Learning letters, sounds, color names, and practicing how to write
  • Math: Counting, measuring, recognizing shapes and numbers
  • Science: Finding out facts about animals, weather and nature 
  • Social skills: Telling time, getting dressed, and organizational skills
  • Music: Learning how to play an instrument
  • Art: Art projects to make a specific product rather than exploring the creative process. 

 

Children also have free play time or recess, but there is usually less time provided for free play. Academic preschool environments may look like a typical school classroom.

Children who are not yet ready to sit quiet for a lesson may find a less structured environment more appropriate.

 

Sources:

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/sep2015/helping-others-understand-academic-rigor

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/comparing-preschool-philosophies-play-based-vs-academic

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Last updated on July 10, 2020
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