ECS Kindergarten

Being an Alberta Learning accredited program, our kindergarten is overseen by a certified Alberta Education teacher and is part of our Calgary school curriculum only. For half of each day, this teacher ensures that all of the Alberta Learning curriculum goals are being met. This teacher works in partnership with our Montessori-trained teacher to provide a stimulating and satisfying program for our students.

The full-day Early Childhood Services Kindergarten program provides an excellent foundation with which children may enter grade school. In accordance with the Montessori Philosophy, strong emphasis is placed upon the development of literacy and numeracy. Both language arts and mathematical skills are taught in a progressive, systematic manner. As a result of learning through a strong program of phonics, the students will know their letter sounds and many phonograms by year end. Many students leave our program already reading and spelling. Their printing skills demonstrate their well-developed focus, concentration and attention to detail. Through the year, focus is also given to learning the geography of our world. The students become aware of their place on our planet by learning the continents, countries and provinces. In addition to these curricular areas, our students participate in music and French classes. We also take the children on field trips as well as host special guests. These are opportunities where the students are their families celebrate their place in our school community.

For our ECS Kindergarten Program to be funded by Alberta Education, we had to have a Non Profit Society to represent us. With the help of the Kindergarten parents and dedicated staff, both volunteering their time, the school established its own Woodpark Montessori Society in 2008 to operate and finance the Kindergarten program.