Joy & Discovery

At Evergreen, learning begins with the child. In preschool and prek, open-ended materials and rich environments spark exploration, imagination, and agency. In kindergarten, these sparks become more intentional projects, like building a ramp to stop a rolling pumpkin, where principles of math, science, and problem-solving come alive. Across all three years, discovery is both playful and purposeful, nurturing confidence, creativity, and a love of learning.

The Environment as Teacher

Beautiful, organized spaces—with light, natural materials, and loose parts—encourage choice, collaboration, and imagination. Preschool and prek students might investigate light with mirrors, prisms, and shadows, while kindergarten classrooms add tools and provocations that extend inquiry into more structured exploration. These environments are designed as invitations to learn, supporting growth at every stage.

student building toy train track

student building an outdoor project

Projects That Grow From Questions

A fascination with mason bees might lead children to observe their behavior, sketch their movements, build simple bee houses, and track data on pollination. Teachers extend these inquiries by weaving in art, science, early literacy, and math, helping children see connections across disciplines. Projects last as long as curiosity endures, building both focus and depth of understanding.

Story, Movement, and the Arts

Music, dramatic play, and visual art are woven through each day. Preschool and prek children develop language, coordination, and creative confidence as they sing, act, paint, and build. In kindergarten, these explorations expand into more structured opportunities—such as writing and performing their own stories—while still preserving the joy of expression.

students dancing and singing

student holding up a worksheet

Sharing the Learning

Learning becomes more meaningful when it’s shared. Preschool and prek students might create a real café in their classroom, complete with menus, signs, and pretend money, offering families and classmates a playful way to experience their learning. Kindergarteners may design and present a wetland and animal habitat display, showcasing their research and models of ecosystems. These projects give children a sense of pride and invite the wider community to celebrate their work—reinforcing the message that their ideas matter and their voices are valued.

What It All Adds Up To

Discovery at Evergreen is never an afterthought—it is the heart of Early Childhood learning. By honoring children’s natural curiosity and guiding it with purpose, we help them develop the confidence to explore, the creativity to imagine, and the resilience to persist. They leave Early Childhood with curiosity intact, skills growing, and a joyful connection to learning that lasts far beyond kindergarten.

student playing with slime