Pre-K – 2 Locations In Mahomet & Manhattan, IL

First School – Preparing Young Minds for Lifelong Success

Our Montessori Pre-Kindergarten program is thoughtfully designed to provide children with a rich and balanced foundation as they transition from early childhood into more advanced academic and social development. At this important stage, typically for children ages 3 to 5, our Pre-K students thrive in an environment that promotes independence, curiosity, responsibility, and a deep love of learning. With two convenient locations, we are proud to offer families a Pre-K experience that blends Montessori philosophy with hands-on preparation for kindergarten and beyond.

A Thoughtfully Prepared Montessori Environment

At First School Pre-Kindergarten classrooms, children experience a unique combination of freedom and structure. The learning environment is calm, orderly, and designed specifically to support the developmental needs of 3-5 year olds. Every element in the room, from the child-sized furniture to the carefully selected Montessori materials, has a purpose and invites meaningful, independent exploration.

First School Pre-K Program – 5 Core Areas of Focus

• Practical Life: Activities such as preparing snacks, cleaning, sewing, and organizing help children develop independence, focus, and a sense of responsibility. These tasks build confidence and improve fine motor skills.
• Sensorial: Pre-K students refine their senses through matching, sorting, and sequencing activities that sharpen their perception and lay the groundwork for academic learning.
• Language: Our Pre-K curriculum expands into reading, writing, and storytelling through phonetic activities, movable alphabet work, vocabulary enrichment, and beginning sentence construction.
• Mathematics: Using Montessori math tools such as number rods, spindle boxes, and bead chains, children build an intuitive understanding of numbers, quantity, place value, and simple operations like addition and subtraction.
• Cultural Subjects: Geography, science, art, music, and world cultures are explored in engaging ways that expand children’s worldview and promote creativity and appreciation for diversity.

Building Independence and Readiness

A key goal of our Pre-Kindergarten program is to help children develop the emotional, social, and cognitive readiness needed for a successful transition to kindergarten. Our program emphasizes:

• Executive functioning skills like planning, organizing, and completing tasks
• Problem-solving and decision-making through open-ended activities
• Self-regulation and conflict resolution through modeling and guided practice
• Leadership and peer mentorship within a mixed-age setting
• Concentration and perseverance through uninterrupted work periods

Each child is encouraged to move at their own pace, students build confidence as they achieve mastery in their work. Rather than racing through lessons, they are given the time and space to deeply understand and enjoy what they are learning.

Dedicated Montessori Educators & Life Long Learners

The Pre-Kindergarten teachers at First School are trained in the Montessori method and are experienced in guiding children through this essential stage of development. They observe each child closely, introducing lessons at just the right time and offering support when needed. Teachers serve as facilitators, helping children build independence while gently guiding them toward academic and social goals.

Small group and one-on-one instruction allow for highly personalized learning that meets each child where they are and helps them move forward confidently.

A Balanced Day of Learning & Play

Our Pre-Kindergarten program blends structured academic work with movement, outdoor play, music, art, and rest—providing a well-rounded day that supports the whole child. Children enjoy outdoor time daily, giving them the opportunity to move, explore nature, and socialize with peers in a natural setting. Whether working independently on a math lesson or creating a painting at the art easel, children are engaged, supported, and encouraged to take pride in their growth.

Why Families Choose Our Montessori Pre-K Program

Parents choose First School Pre-Kindergarten program because it offers the following:

• A true Montessori curriculum tailored for 3,4- and 5-year-olds
• A safe, nurturing environment focused on individual growth
• Hands-on, engaging materials that make learning joyful
• Educators who understand how to prepare children for kindergarten readiness
• Opportunities for leadership and peer learning in mixed-age classrooms
• Development of strong academic, social, and emotional skills

Our graduates move on to kindergarten with confidence, resilience, and a strong foundation in reading, math, and social understanding. More importantly, they leave our Pre-K program with a love of learning that will carry them through school and life.

Come Visit Our Pre-Kindergarten Program

We invite you to tour our First School Montessori Pre-K classrooms and see how our environment supports meaningful, joyful learning. With two convenient locations, flexible scheduling options, and a team of passionate educators, our program is the perfect fit for families looking for a high-quality, child-centered early education experience.

Contact us today to schedule a tour or learn more about enrollment. Let us help your child take the next step in their educational journey with confidence & curiosity.