New Preschool Program Leads the Way for the Youngest Gifted Learners

Think you might have a gifted or accelerated young learner? Then your preschool choice is crucial to helping your child to be challenged and nurtured. It’s the foundation or building blocks of a child’s academic success. Recent research shows that children as young as age three have better educational outcomes if they attend full-day preschool programs.

In keeping with their tradition of being on the cutting edge of gifted education, the Avery Coonley School, which services gifted and accelerated students age three through eighth grade, has recently expanded their gifted preschool options. Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, they are launching their first full-day PreK3 program for three-year-olds. 

“Avery Coonley was founded in 1906 by an educational innovator who started one of the first kindergartens in the Chicago area,” says Kristen Teague, director of enrollment and financial aid. “The school has always been ahead of the curve in terms of what the current research about children’s brain development and early learning reflects.” 

New full-day PreK3 program uses research to innovate engaging programs

The full-day option will offer educational activities on a rotating basis that extend the themes presented in the morning, says Teague. “Our PreK3 afternoon rotations will include Movement and Music Exploration; Drama—storytelling, retelling, dramatizing; Construction; Excursions—play-based learning and outdoor experiences; and finally, Artistic Expression.”

Movement and the mind-body connection have long been a part of Avery Coonley’s established curriculum, which is supported by research that shows the bulk of a child’s brain development occurs before the age of five.  

The preschool programs at Avery Coonely are intentionally planned to focus on building the critical skills and abilities that are needed for learning. The school views Sensory Motor Progression, which includes movement, visuals and both fine and gross motor skills to be a key to kindergarten readiness, says Teague. 

“Many parents are unaware of the sensory motor development that a child needs in order to be ready for learning. Our preschool lessons are built around this development. Without these skills and abilities, children will struggle in school.”

To further enrich the sensory motor learning for kids, Avery Coonley is surrounded by natural beauty. The 13-acre campus sits adjacent to a 40-acre forest preserve and is often used for nature walks, academic lessons and other activities. 

Avery Coonley offers play-based learning with a difference

While play is the cornerstone of most preschool programs, many function mainly as extensions of daycare. Avery Coonley approaches play-based learning as a stepping stone to school and the development of a lifelong love of learning, says Teague. “All good preschool programs are play-based. Preschool at ACS expands upon the play of children through the implementation of intentional lessons and hands-on experiences designed to scaffold the needs of children who are ready for more and can move to higher levels of academic readiness.”

All activities at Avery Coonley are specifically designed to help children become more adept and confident, which builds in them a positive feeling towards learning, Teague explains. “For a child to be willing to explore and try new things, they need a warm, nurturing environment where they feel comfortable and safe. In the right environment students will explore, experiment and gain confidence to persevere and develop a lifelong love of learning.”

Preparing students for what comes next 

Ideally, the curriculum at a preschool program should be aligned with a local elementary school, says Teague. 

“We’re always focused on what comes next for our students and what is needed to prepare them for that next level. Our curriculum intentionally builds from one year to the next. It is aligned from preschool through grade eight, so the students are prepared and have the skills needed to succeed at the next level.”

How do I know if my child is ready for a full-day accelerated PreK3 program?

All of Avery Coonley’s preschool teachers are certified and trained in early childhood and gifted education, notes Teague. They have experience identifying and nurturing gifted characteristics exhibited in children as young as age three. To help parents make the right decision, the school offers a screening process to help determine if a child is the right fit for their accelerated programs.

It’s also important to note that preschool at ACS is for children who are ready for more than some of their peers, Teague says.

“While play and play-based learning are crucial to early childhood development and successful preschool programs, some children exhibit a level of academic readiness to engage in more structured and academic activities. They are eager and ready to explore not only child-choice activities, but teacher-choice activities. They will be able to work in various group settings with teachers to reinforce specific academic concepts.”

Nurturing the whole child

The full-day PreK3 program promises to be a dynamic new extension of Avery Coonley’s commitment to early learning, says Teague. 

“As one of the oldest gifted education schools in the country, we foster a healthy environment to promote not only a child’s academic development but also their cognitive, social-emotional, physical and mental health development.  We focus on the whole child.” 

Plus, with aftercare options until 6 p.m., PreK3 at Avery Coonley offers parents convenience in addition to enrichment for their children.

To learn more about the Avery Coonley School and their full-day preschool programs, visit their website at www.averycoonley.org.