Academics
Grades

PreS-PreK

Country School's Early Childhood program serves PreSchool and PreKindergarten students in Madison, Connecticut. We believe every child has unique gifts, every child can learn, and learning should be joyful. Our program is built around wonder and discovery, so that love of learning carries forward into Kindergarten and beyond.

Flexible Scheduling

Half Day
M - F
8 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
MWF, PreSchool only
8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Full Day
M - F
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
MWF, PreSchool only
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

What Makes Our Early Childhood Program Different

  • Spanish at age 3. PreSchool students study Spanish with a co-curricular teacher.
  • Lab science in our new STEAM Center. PreSchool and PreKindergarten students participate in hands-on science in a dedicated lab.
  • Co-curricular teachers. Students attend co-curricular classes, changing teachers and classrooms just as older students do.
  • Small student-teacher ratio. Our Early Childhood ratio is 1:7 so teachers know each child well.
  • Partnership with parents. Children arrive curious and ready to learn. We work with families to build on that enthusiasm.
  • Part of a PreS–8 community. Young children connect with older students through Reading Buddies, all school meetings, and service learning opportunities.

A Space Designed for 3- and 4-Year-Olds

Early Childhood classes are held in Clark House, a building designed for young learners.
  • Low windows at a child's eye level
  • Direct outdoor access from classrooms
  • A direct connection to parent drop-off
  • Open, sunny classrooms for play, exploration, and quiet time

Outdoor Learning Every Day

The outdoors is part of the Early Childhood classroom. Students use
  • A playground built just for 3-year-olds
  • A mud kitchen for open-ended, hands-on play
  • The Children's Garden
  • Campus trails
A focus on the natural sciences builds curiosity about the world.

Co-Curricular Program

Co-curricular classes for Early Childhood students include
  • Spanish
  • Lab science (STEAM Center)
  • Library
  • Physical education
  • Music
  • Art
Moving between classrooms and teachers builds independence and confidence at an early age.

Age Requirements and Admission

  • PreSchool: Most students are 3 years old by September 30.
  • PreKindergarten: Most students are 4 years old by September 30.
  • All children must be toilet trained.
Our admission process uses a developmental approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What ages does The Country School's PreSchool serve?
    PreSchool is for children who are 3 by September 30. PreKindergarten is for children who are 4 by September 30.
  • Does The Country School offer Spanish in PreSchool?
    Yes. Spanish begins in PreSchool at age 3 with a co-curricular teacher.
  • Where is The Country School located?
    The Country School is a private PreS–8 school in Madison, Connecticut.
  • Do PreSchool students need to be toilet trained?
    Yes. All Early Childhood students must be toilet trained.
  • What is the student-teacher ratio in Early Childhood?
    The ratio is 7:1.
A World Built for Students. So They Can Take on the World.

341 Opening Hill Road, Madison, CT 06443
P. 203-421-3113 |  Health Office F. 860-469-2550
24/7 AI Support Agent | 203-350-7692
Founded in 1955, The Country School is a coeducational day school serving families across New Haven and Middlesex counties, PreSchool through Grade 8. Our motto, "A World Built for Students. So They Can Take on the World," guides a curriculum built on inquiry, knowledge, and character development for every individual, regardless of background.

The Country School is a community where diversity is celebrated and people of Color are welcomed, valued and supported. 
 
We do not discriminate - nor do we tolerate discrimination - based upon age, gender, race, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic predisposition, ancestry, social and economic status, or other categories protected by Connecticut or federal law.
 
The Country School employs without regard to gender, race, color, national or ethnic origin, and sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to its community. The Country School is an EOE Employer.