We work hard to ensure each child’s first school experience is a positive foundation for a lifetime of learning. A 4-1 student-to-teacher ratio allows teachers to offer informed support, advice, encouragement, and affection. Each child’s day consists of one-on-one lessons with a teacher in addition to an art project and self-directed learning intended to build empowerment and independence. Each day also includes Circle Time (with singing and movement, story time, and show and tell), three outside play times, two snacks, lunch, and a (much-needed) nap. Pre-Primary meets either three or five days a week from 8:30-3:30 and is limited to 12 children.

Children must be two by September 30 to enroll in Pre-Primary and cannot attend until their second birthday. They need not be potty trained.

A deliberate balance of early learners and kindergarten students, the Primary classroom is the ideal environment for developing the basics of reading, writing, and practical life skills, as well as such intangibles as confidence, independence, and teamwork. Students devote several hours each day to independent learning and one-on-one work with teachers. There is an optional daily art project and a group gathering with teacher-led lessons. Throughout the day, teachers observe and record student progress, creating an ever evolving and highly individualized learning plan catered to each child’s intellectual progress and personal development.

On average, there are twenty students and three teachers in Primary. Children must be potty trained to enroll in Primary.

The oldest members of the Primary classroom, Kindergarteners follow the same basic schedule as their younger classmates but have additional opportunities to hone reading and mathematics skills through advanced exercises and lessons. Every morning they complete a journaling assignment, and two days a week they gather as a group to explore such concepts as graphing, measuring tallying, and mapping. On the other three days, they work on their skills and help guide younger classmates within the Primary classroom. Without exception, our graduating kindergartners have made successful academic and social transitions to first grade—in both public and private settings.

Enrolled FMS students can stay until 5:00 for extra playtime and TLC from an FMS teacher and after-school helper. The cost is $15 a day. Sign up in advance to reserve a spot. Drop-ins are welcome as space allows.