HFCA's Kindergarten Difference
Experience, continuous improvement, and international recognition distinguish HFCA from other area kindergartens. The following attributes illustrate how HFCA's passion, innovation, and worldwide best practices of our International Baccalaureate World School build a strong foundation and smooth transition from kindergarten to higher grades.
- Proven Track Record: Experience matters when it comes to laying the foundation for your child's education. HFCA has a 20+ year legacy of educational excellence and has earned the trust and confidence of parents and the local community.
- Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Continuous improvement has been part of the culture of HFCA since its inception in 2002. Led by our Principal, Mrs. O'Brien, and Assistant Principal, Mrs. Clark teachers routinely think, analyze, and evaluate their work and try to improve its quality. A major component of the International Baccalaureate best practices is for teachers to collaboratively reflect on the effectiveness of their teaching strategies and how well their implementation supports students with the foundational elements of the unit.
- It is possible that some strategies may not have been as beneficial as they could have been, and this reflective exercise is intended to encourage teachers to celebrate what has worked and identify opportunities for future revisions.
- Additionally, as the science of teaching continues to evolve, new resources are available to better meet the needs of our students. HFCA is committed to teacher training and professional development. This commitment allows our teachers and administration to thoughtfully consider resources that improve our curricula to better suit the needs of their students.
- Continuous improvement over the years has allowed HFCA to refine and enhance its kindergarten curriculum resulting in a comprehensive program designed to promote academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development.
- Experienced Educators--Two Teachers Per Classroom: The teaching staff at HFCA has accumulated years of experience in understanding the unique needs and learning styles of young children. A key piece of this is our commitment to differentiated instruction accomplished with a teacher and teacher assistant in each kindergarten classroom.
- With no more than 25 students in a classroom, the use of degreed teacher assistants brings our kindergarten classes to an average student-to-teacher ratio of less than 12:1. This ratio is significantly lower than in other area schools. More teachers allow HFCA to differentiate instruction. It is not uncommon to have 4-5 reading groups and 4-5 math groups in a classroom of 25 students.
- Teachers use a combination of whole class and small group instruction to create a learning environment that is supportive and nurturing while also challenging.
- As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, HFCA's teachers can collaborate with premier teachers from around the world.
- Goals for HFCA Kindergarten Students: Our kindergarten builds the foundation where:
- Students become active participants in their learning--they "learn how to learn."
- Build conceptual understandings
- Respond to challenges with confidence
- Make progress to meet or exceed national and state learning standards
- Understand that they are global thinkers, leaders grounded in faith positioned to make positive differences in their own lives and communities.