Early Childhood

Preschool - Senior Kindergarten

In Early Childhood, nurturing teachers help children explore their curiosity and express their ideas through play. Through student-led activities, children learn literacy, art, mathematics, music, science, movement, and social studies as well as critical thinking skills and independence. Catherine Cook integrates a limited, age-appropriate exploration of technology to support student learning.

In addition to core academics, social-emotional learning is a cornerstone of Catherine Cook's Early Childhood curriculum. Students explore their own identity and the identities of others, which allows them to build strong relationships in which each child feels seen and appreciated. All teachers are trained in the Responsive Classroom program, which promotes a joyful and inclusive learning environment, effective classroom management, and developmental awareness.

Interim Head of Early Childhood
Judy Wahl

With more than 20 years of experience, Ms. Wahl has been a lead teacher in preschool through 2nd grade classrooms, including 10 years at Roycemore Academy teaching early childhood and lower school students. Her remaining years in education were spent working as the Academic Program Director at Black Bear Academy, holding a position as a testing consultant for gifted students through the Northwestern University Center of Education and Social Policy, and founding her own gifted educational consulting program, Sprout Gifted Services. Her vast experience with multiple learning styles will be a wonderful addition to our incredible Early Childhood program, and a wonderful support to our faculty and families. Ms. Wahl graduated from Loras College with a B.A. in Elementary Education, with a focus on Literature and Child Psychology.