Kindergarten at National Heritage Academies
Kindergarten at National Heritage Academies gives children a strong start in school and in life. Our tuition-free public schools help young learners build early reading and math skills, develop positive character, and grow in confidence. With caring teachers, a structured learning environment, and close partnership with families, kindergarten at NHA supports the whole child from day one.
See What Kindergarten Looks Like at NHA
Learn what kindergarten looks like at NHA. In this video, school leaders share how we help students build confidence, develop early academic skills, and grow in a supportive classroom environment.
A Strong Start for Your Child’s First Year of School
At NHA, kindergarten is more than a transition year. It is where children learn how to learn. Students explore new ideas, practice responsibility, and build strong classroom habits in a supportive setting. Our research-backed curriculum and Moral Focus™ program help children grow academically while learning to treat others with kindness, respect, and care. We partner closely with parents to ensure every child feels supported, encouraged, and ready for what comes next.
What Children Learn in Kindergarten at NHA
Subjects taught in kindergarten include reading, math, science, and social studies, helping students build a strong academic foundation. Kindergarten students also explore art, music, and physical education, allowing students the opportunity to explore their interests, fostering a well-rounded student.
English Language Arts
Students build a strong foundation in reading and writing by learning how sounds and letters come together to form words. Through daily phonics instruction and practice, they develop the skills to decode words accurately and read with confidence. As they grow as readers, students expand their vocabulary, build fluency, and begin to understand and talk about what they read. With rich texts and engaging conversations, they learn to think critically, express ideas clearly, and develop a lifelong love of reading and writing.
Math
Students will build a strong foundation in number sense by exploring counting, comparing numbers, and understanding addition and subtraction within 10. Our curriculum uses hands-on experiences, real-life contexts, and visual models to help students develop a deep understanding of numbers, setting the stage for place value, algebraic thinking, geometry, and future problem-solving skills.
Science
Our youngest learners use their senses to explore and make sense of the world around them. As they investigate exciting topics, they also begin to think and act like scientists and engineers—asking questions, making observations, and solving problems. Along the way, they build essential skills like communication, collaboration, and creative thinking that will support them throughout their educational journey.
Social Studies
We’re committed to developing students who grow up to become thoughtful and compassionate citizens. Early on, students begin to understand the world around them as they explore places, people, and how we all work and live together. This helps them grow into kind and caring members of their community.
Moral Focus™ in Kindergarten
Strong hearts and minds impact the world in amazing ways. Virtues such as respect, perseverance, compassion, and courage are essential to what kids need to succeed and an essential part of what we teach. This helps students learn the importance of making good decisions and doing the right thing in life.
At NHA, we teach important values every day through our Moral Focus program. This program is part of everything we do. Each month, students learn about a new virtue using picture books and daily lessons. Each week builds on the last to help students understand the virtue better. They start by learning what the virtue means, then connect it to what they already know and read. Students will also learn why the virtue matters, what it looks and sounds like in real life, and how to use it in their own lives.
Learn More About Moral Focus
Young 5s and 4K Programs: Building Confidence for Kindergarten
Some NHA schools in Michigan offer a young 5 kindergarten program (same age requirements as kindergarten). Young 5s gives children an extra year to grow socially, emotionally, and academically before kindergarten.Learn More: Young 5 vs. Kindergarten
If you’re in Wisconsin and your child is four by the cut-off date, our 4-year-old kindergarten (4K) program offers a high-quality start, setting them up for success in kindergarten and beyond.
NHA Parent
I love that my kindergartener is learning as much as he is! He is thriving academically and socially, and seems really happy at school.
Planning Ahead for Kindergarten
Complete the interest form below, and we’ll stay in touch with updates and information to help you prepare for enrollment.