Pre-K Program - Stevenson School

Inspired Learning Begins in Pre-Kindergarten

At Stevenson’s Carmel-by-the-Sea campus, Pre-K is more than a first step — it’s a joyful beginning. Grounded in Reggio Emilia and Constructivist approaches, our program encourages exploration, honors individuality and nurtures the 4 Cs: curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and confidence.

Two Pre-K students tend to plants in the school's garden.

Two Pre-K play together at a table with blocks.

Social & Emotional Development

We nurture an environment where students feel safe, seen, and heard while developing their social-emotional skills. We place a strong emphasis on helping students understand their emotions and use their voice in ways to advocate for themselves and others.

A young boy smiles while completing work at classroom table with other Pre-K students.

Classroom Exploration

Our classrooms are built around daily routines that develop language, literacy, and STEM skills through collaboration. Play- and inquiry-based learning invites children to ask questions, explore, and lead the way. Open-ended investigations spark critical thinking, creativity, independence, and conflict resolution.

Pre-K students touch sea life in a tank at Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Experiential Learning

Real-world, hands-on experiences are central to our curriculum. The Monterey Peninsula is an extension of our classroom, allowing students to study marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, explore nature at Point Lobos, tend campus gardens, and venture out on beach walks and outdoor adventures.

A Holistic Education, By Design

From meaningful educator and cross-grade connections to after-school programming that extends learning and care, every element of our Pre-K experience is designed with the needs of our students in mind, creating a school day rooted in continuity, community, and joy.

The Stevenson Lower School photographed in October of 2019 by Toni Axelrod of Toni Axelrod Studios.

9:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Nurturing, personalized learning

Grade 8 Buddy Program

Connections that build community

A teacher reads allowed to students at the front of her classroom.

2 Classroom Teachers

Focused, team-based teaching

After-School Programming

Intentional extension of the school day

Families Shape Our Program

Our Pre-K parents are deeply engaged members of our community who collaborate with teachers to enrich the student experience. They lead special sessions on topics like gardening or cooking, join monthly classroom socials and assemblies, and support classroom projects by sharing their expertise. This strong partnership creates meaningful connections between home and school, bringing classroom learning to life.

Academics That Grow With Your Child

Our Pre-K program is designed to build the academic, social, and emotional foundations children need to thrive in school and beyond. Drawing from Reggio Emilia and Constructivist educational philosophies, we create a learning environment where children are seen as capable, curious thinkers. These approaches emphasize hands-on exploration, collaborative problem-solving, and the idea that children learn best through experience.

In practice, that means every part of the day is structured to support early literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and independence. Children learn how to think, explore, and understand the world around them.

HOW WE TEACH

A curriculum that prioritizes experience-based, child-led learning.
Teachers act as guides, encouraging curiosity, questions, and discovery.
Lessons are rooted in real-world experiences, inquiry, and meaningful context.
Emphasis on self-expression through multiple “languages”: drawing, building, storytelling, movement.
Children learn by doing — through conversation, experimentation, and reflection.

WHAT CHILDREN LEARN

Early literacy and numeracy skills integrated into purposeful play and daily routines.
Foundational science, spatial awareness, and problem-solving through hands-on exploration.
Language development through storytelling, discussion, and collaborative projects.
Academic confidence and perseverance developed through inquiry-based challenges.
A love of learning that supports Kindergarten readiness and long-term academic success.

Is Stevenson’s Pre-K in Carmel Right for Your Child?

Whether you’re considering preschool, transitional kindergarten, or a Pre-K school, Stevenson’s program combines the best elements of early childhood education to create an engaging, developmentally appropriate academic experience during these crucial early learning years.

Stevenson offers the Monterey Peninsula’s only comprehensive, co-educational Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school experience. This continuity ensures seamless transitions between grade levels, collaborative faculty planning across divisions, and a strong foundation for success in school and beyond.

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Your Constellation of Support

We’re committed to nurturing the whole child. Each student is supported by a caring team that ensures they thrive physically, socially, and emotionally. Our Director of Learning Support and counselors work closely with teachers to help students discover their voice and interests. Together, they tailor experiences to each student’s unique needs and learning style, helping them develop a love of learning.