Young 5s
Children enter school with a variety of experiences. We offer options to meet their individual needs. Younger learners who turn 5 between June 1 and December 1 may be a good fit for our Young 5s program. We are glad to accept the Michigan waiver for incoming Kindergarten and Young 5s students. This waiver allows students 5 years old on or before December 1st to apply for either grade level.
We created Young 5s to support younger learners who may benefit from a transitional year. Children adjust to the social and academic demands of school in a fun, hands-on environment. Young 5s provides ‘the gift of time’ so younger learners can succeed in Kindergarten. Teachers help them develop social, motor and academic skills necessary to prosper in a regular kindergarten class. Students who complete their first year in the Young 5s program will be promoted to the regular kindergarten program the following year.
If your child is ready for a more rigorous program, then Kindergarten may be the right choice. Kindergarten moves at a faster pace than Young 5s. Children should enter Kindergarten with the basic personal, social, emotional, motor and academic skills necessary to succeed in school. We know it can be a difficult decision, so we provide options to help you choose what’s best for your child.
When Can My Child Start Kindergarten?
If you're wondering when your child can start kindergarten, you're not alone! Every state has its own age requirements for starting kindergarten, and they vary.Kindergarten Calculator
NHA operates schools with kindergarten programs across nine states. Use our kindergarten calculator to help determine when your child can start kindergarten at an NHA school.
Curriculum
English Language Arts
Curriculum
English Language Arts
Children learn to identify and sound out letters and words. Retelling stories helps children learn to communicate clearly, and build active listening skills. Writing skills progress from letters to simple phonetic spellings.
Math
Curriculum
Math
Children learn basic number concepts like counting, number value, and basic addition using real objects. We study and identify shapes to build geometry skills. Students also learn the days of the week, and how to use money.
Science
Curriculum
Science
Building on their natural desire to explore, children learn how to identify and use their five senses. Using their senses, they observe and gather information, studying themes like plants and animals. As young scientists, they describe similarities and differences found in the natural world.
Social Studies
Curriculum
Social Studies
Learning about communities, students discover the roles and virtues of good citizenship. We practice these skills in the classroom and community.
Specials
Curriculum
Specials
Children study art, music, physical education and technology.
More on EXCEL-ERATE
Advanced Learning Program
We offer advanced learning opportunities for top-performing students who are ready to progress beyond grade level.
We're More Than Academics
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. We make them part of every school day. This helps students learn the importance of making good decisions and doing the right thing in life. Moral Focus is so integrated into everything we do:
- We created a curriculum specifically around Moral Focus.
- We celebrate a “virtue of the month” every month.
- Our students create a class contract where students agree how to treat their teacher and each other.
- Students are recognized and celebrated for how they live out Moral Focus every day.
Parent
I love the emphasis on moral focus each month. Not only is my child receiving an education, but you are also teaching her qualities to be a good person.
Monthly Virtues
Wisdom
Use good judgment to make decisions
Respect
Treat others the way you want to be treated
Gratitude
Appreciate the kindness and generosity of others
Self-control
Manage your emotions and behavior to stay calm
Perseverance
Persist through difficulties until you reach your goal
Courage
Despite fear, do what you believe is right
Encouragement
Motivate others to have confidence in themselves
Compassion
Help and care for others during times of need
Integrity
Do what is right, honorable, and good
Traditional School or Homeschool?
The decision between enrolling your child into a traditional school versus homeschooling can be difficult. It usually depends on the student and family's needs and preferences. Here at National Heritage Academies (NHA), we know how important this decision can be and want to help you and your family make the right decision. Keep reading to learn more about what an NHA-partner school education means for your child.Learn More About NHA's Approach