Pre-K Program - Stevenson School Skip to content Early Childhood: Pre-K Early Childhood: Pre-K Kelly Dalton 2026-01-13T04:43:15-08:00 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. 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. 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. 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. 9:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio Nurturing, personalized learning Grade 8 Buddy Program Connections that build community 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. Inquire Today 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. Nifemi Ogunsuyi Head of the Lower Division Jennifer Rauber Pre-K Teacher Emma Mudarri Associate Pre-K Teacher Kate Bitter Director of Learning Support Jamie Jameson Learning Support Services Roxanne DiMaggio PE Teacher Hilary Johns-Parson School Counselor Lower Division News The World Is Our Classroom: Field Trips at Stevenson’s Carmel Campus Farms, tide pools, museums, missions, music studios and more. At Stevenson, every grade level has a world of learning waiting just outside the door. Celebrating the Arts at Stevenson: A Season of Performance, Music and Movement This winter, Stevenson students showcased their creativity and dedication through a lively musical production, a moving choral concert and an award-filled start to dance competition season. Finding Their Voice: Grade 4 Students Take on Journalism Grade 4 students have been doing the work of real journalists this winter: hosting press conferences with community members, walking through Carmel to discover stories and preparing to publish a newspaper featuring their reporting. Stevenson Welcomes Award-Winning Author Matt de la Peña to Campus Stevenson School is thrilled to announce that celebrated author Matt de la Peña will visit the Carmel campus on Friday, March 27, for a special day of storytelling, connection, and community. 2026 Summer Camps: Discover What’s New! Stevenson’s 2026 Summer Camps are designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and confidence. This year, our Pebble Beach camps (rising grades 5-8) are launching an exciting new structure that gives campers more choice and a more personalized experience than ever before! A Look Back and Ahead—in the Lower Division Nifemi Lesi celebrates inquiry-based learning and student voice as the youngest Pirates prepare for the new year. Celebrating an Exceptional 2025: A Year of Achievement at Stevenson Stevenson celebrates a year of achievement across academics, athletics, arts and campus development as the school community looks ahead to 2026. Stevenson Named Best School on the Monterey Peninsula Stevenson has been recognized as the Best School on the Monterey Peninsula in the Golden Pine Cone Awards. A Year of Culinary Adventures: Unique Dining Programs Create Memorable Moments This year's dining program is built around three core principles: Nourish the Whole Person, Create Community, and Take Responsibility. Beyond the Classroom: After-School Program Embraces Coastal Learning The Carmel Campus After-School Program has added an exciting new Surfing with the Wahine Project session, where students learn ocean safety and surfing skills at Carmel Beach every Wednesday. Foundations of Expression: Stevenson’s Lower Division Writing Workshop Program Fourth installment in the "Reflecting on Our Progress, Inspiring Our Future" celebration highlights innovative literacy approach for youngest students. Introducing: Reflecting on Our Progress, Inspiring Our Future "Reflecting on Our Progress, Inspiring Our Future" is a month-long initiative highlighting the school's recent achievements and vision for the future. An independent Pre-K–12 boarding and day school located on California’s Monterey Peninsula Carmel Campus Grades Pre-K–8 Street address: 24800 Dolores Street, Carmel, CA 93923 Mailing address: P.O. Box AP, Carmel, CA 93921 T: 831.574.4600 Map/Directions Campus Map Request Information Pebble Beach Campus Grades 9–12 3152 Forest Lake Road, Pebble Beach, CA 93953 Need Pebble Beach access? Contact us before visiting. T: 831.625.8300 Map/Directions Campus Map Request Information Copyright 2025 | Stevenson Boarding & Day School | Policies Ethicspoint School Directory Employment Notice of Non Discriminatory Policy: Stevenson School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Page load link Go to Top