🌱 Discovergarten vs. Kindergarten

Helping You Choose the Best Start for Your Child’s Educational Journey

Starting school is an exciting milestone, and we want to ensure your child begins their journey in the environment that best supports their growth. This will help you understand the difference between Discovergarten and Kindergarten—and determine which option may be the right starting point for your student.

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đź’ˇ What is Discovergarten?

Our Discovergarten program was developed specifically for the youngest learners in our district. This early-learning experience gives children extra time and support to adapt to school routines and expectations. Through a play-based, nurturing environment, students build confidence, independence, and foundational skills that prepare them for lifelong learning. Think of our program as a "launch pad" that prepares young learners socially, emotionally, and academically for the big leap.

Discovergarten

Discovergarten Program

    Discovergarten Highlights🌟

    •All day, every day

    •developed for late-spring, summer and early fall birthdays

    •Build strong literacy skills (letter names, letter sounds, segmenting, sight words)

    •Increase number sense concepts 1-20

    •Developmental writing

    •Library, Guidance, P.E. & Music classes

    •Smaller class Size for more 1 on 1 instruction

    •Shorter activity times

    •Lots of movement, limited seat work time

    •Time to play

    •Flexible routine

    •Hands on learning tasks

    •Promotes independence & self control

    •develops fine motor and gross motor

    •Time to be a kid!

    🌱 Signs Your Student Might Benefit from Discovergarten

    Discovergarten might be the right fit if your child is still developing the ability to:

    • Recognize the letters in their name
    • Perform self-help tasks without assistance
    • Sit still for more than 10 minutes
    • Stay alert without needing a nap
    • Stay close to an adult in public places
    • Wait patiently for their turn or in line
    Discovergarten is ‼️NOT‼️

    • A Special Education Program

    • Being "held back"

    •Preschool. The Discovergarten program follows the Iowa Common Core Standards for Kindergarten.

🤝 Let’s Find the Right Fit Together

Every child grows and learns at their own pace—and that’s perfectly okay! Whether your child is ready to jump into Kindergarten or would benefit from a year of Discovergarten, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.

If you have any questions or would like support in choosing the best program for your child, please contact us. We’re happy to help you take this exciting next step with confidence!

Contact Us

Discovergarten Teacher:

-Mrs. Madison Negaard - mnegaard@akron-westfield.com

Kindergarten Teachers:

- Mrs. Gabby Hecht - ghecht@akron-westfield.com

- Mrs. Amy Rolfes - arolfes@akron-westfield.com

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Preschool-6th Grade Principal: Mrs. Michelle Henrich - mhenrich@akron-westfield.com

Elementary Office Phone: 568-3322

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