Preschool Program Options - Stanley Clark School

Preschool 3/4 Program Options

Choosing the Right Fit for Your Child and Family

Families often ask about the differences between our part-time and full-time Preschool 3/4 (P3/4) options. We are proud to offer flexible pathways designed to support young learners as they transition to a school environment—especially those who may still be building stamina for a full school day.

Full-Day Experience

Morning Options

Our half-day and 3-day programs provide a gentle introduction to school. These options can be a wonderful starting point for children who are new to structured learning or who benefit from a gradual adjustment.

However, because time in the classroom directly impacts connection, children who attend fewer days may have fewer opportunities to:

Deepen friendships and peer relationships
Fully engage in the classroom community
Participate consistently in our ongoing Reggio-inspired study

Preschool students circled around laying on their bellies listening to their teacher

Preschool 3/4 Program Hours

Students must be three years old prior to September 1 and potty-trained by the start of school.

Three Mornings: Monday-Wednesday, 8:15 AM — 12:00 PM
Three Full Days: Monday-Wednesday, 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM
Five Mornings: Monday-Thursday, 8:15 AM – 12:00 PM and Friday, 8:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Full Day: Monday-Thursday, 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM and Friday, 8:15 AM – 12:15 PM

Partnering with Families

In our experience, children thrive with increased consistency and connection. We often see meaningful growth when families plan for a transition to 5-day half-day or full-day programming at some point during the school year, based on the child’s maturity and stamina.

We are always happy to partner with families to determine the right starting point—and to thoughtfully plan next steps as your child grows.

Preschool 4/5 Program Options

Building Readiness for Kindergarten and Beyond

Families often ask about the differences between our half-day and full-day Preschool 4/5 (P4/5) options. At this stage, most children have developed the stamina for a full school day. However, we recognize that some families may prefer a gradual start, and we offer a half-day option to provide flexibility at the beginning of the year.

Preschool 4/5

Full-Day Experience
Morning Option

Full-Day Experience

The full-day P4/5 program provides the most comprehensive experience and is intentionally designed to prepare students for the routine, expectations, and academic rhythms of Kindergarten. Benefits include:

Greater continuity in learning
Increased independence and confidence
Stronger social integration
Consistent participation in all academic and co-curricular programming

Morning Option

A half-day schedule can ease the transition into a more structured learning environment. That said, time in the classroom directly impacts a child’s sense of belonging and engagement. Students who attend for fewer hours may have fewer opportunities to:

Strengthen peer relationships
Deepen their investment in the classroom community
Fully participate in the class’s ongoing Reggio-inspired study

Families should also note that half-day students may miss certain afternoon experiences, including:

The full range of co-curricular offerings
Occasional field trips
Class celebrations
Select Buddy Activities

Preschool students sitting in a circle around a rug, with their hands raised

Preschool 4/5 Program Hours

Students must be four years old prior to September 1.

Mornings: Monday-Thursday, 8:15 AM – 12:00 PM and Friday, 8:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Full Day: Monday-Thursday, 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM and Friday, 8:15 AM – 12:15 PM

A Bridge to Kindergarten

Because P4/5 serves as a bridge to Kindergarten, we strongly recommend full-day enrollment—particularly by January for students who do not begin the year in the full-time program. In our experience, increased consistency and time in the classroom meaningfully support readiness, resilience, and long-term success.

We are grateful to partner with families to determine the best starting point and plan a thoughtful transition as your child grows.