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Preschool

A Joyful Beginning to Learning

Hamlin Robinson School is excited to launch a new Early Childhood Education program in Fall 2026, with an anticipated opening on September 9, 2026. Designed for children ages 3 and 4, this language-rich, play-based preschool program reflects the mission and philosophy that have guided HRS for more than 40 years.

At HRS, we believe the early years should be filled with wonder, discovery, creativity, and connection. Our program is intentionally designed to nurture each child’s natural curiosity while building strong foundations in communication, confidence, social-emotional growth, and early literacy.

Children will learn through play, movement, storytelling, music, art, sensory exploration, outdoor experiences, and meaningful relationships with caring educators and peers. Throughout the day, language development is thoughtfully woven into every interaction and experience in ways that feel natural, joyful, and engaging.

What makes the HRS Early Childhood Education program unique is the combination of exceptional early childhood practice with HRS’s deep expertise in language and literacy development. Using research-informed approaches — including Creative Curriculum, Heggerty Early Pre-K, and embedded language-support strategies — educators will support the development of all learners while thoughtfully observing and understanding each child’s individual growth.

Rather than waiting until children struggle in later elementary years, our program is built on the belief that strong language-rich environments and responsive early support can make a meaningful difference from the very beginning. By intentionally supporting oral language, vocabulary, listening, phonological awareness, and social-emotional development beginning at age three, we help children build confidence and foundational skills that support future learning success.

A Message from the Head of Early Childhood Education

The Early Learning program at HRS is a place where young children are known, supported, and inspired through joyful, language-rich learning experiences. During these foundational years, we intentionally nurture curiosity, confidence, communication, and connection through play, exploration, creativity, and meaningful relationships.

We believe young children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and encouraged to discover the world around them. Rooted in HRS’s longstanding expertise in language-based learning differences, our program is thoughtfully designed to support each child’s individual development while building strong foundations in early literacy, oral language, social-emotional growth, and independence.

Equally important is the partnership we build with families. We know that choosing a child’s first school experience is both meaningful and deeply personal, and we strive to create a welcoming community where children and families feel connected, supported, and known.

Over time, these early experiences build into something powerful. Children develop a love of learning, confidence in themselves, and a strong foundation for future growth. We invite you to learn more about our Early Learning program and discover a community intentionally designed to support young children and their families from the very beginning.

Warmly –
Kristin Karlson
Head of Early Childhood Education

Program Overview

The Early Childhood Education program is a literacy-rich preschool experience designed to nurture confident, capable, and joyful learners. The program will be open to the public and will operate independently from the HRS Lower and Middle School programs.

Please note: Participation in the Early Childhood Education program is not a guaranteed pathway to enrollment in HRS' Lower or Middle School.

Year One Program Highlights

  • Classroom size of 15–20 children
  • Located on the first floor of the Lower School campus
  • Led by a dedicated early childhood team, including a director, lead faculty member, and two teaching assistants
  • 10-month program tuition: $27,500

Our Philosophy

We believe:

  • Young children learn best through relationships, play, movement, and authentic experiences.
  • Preschool should be joyful, exploratory, and developmentally appropriate.
  • Strong early childhood education benefits all learners.
  • Language and literacy development should be naturally embedded throughout the day.
  • Early literacy begins with oral language, listening, vocabulary, and sound awareness.
  • Play-based learning and explicit language support work together to strengthen learning.
  • Social-emotional growth, self-regulation, independence, and peer relationships are essential parts of early childhood development.

Our classrooms are designed to support the whole child, with opportunities for literacy, math, science, sensory exploration, dramatic play, art, music, and movement woven throughout each day.

Family Communication

Meaningful family partnership is central to our program. Through our integrated family communication platform, families receive thoughtful daily updates, photos, classroom highlights, and program information that help them stay connected to their child's learning and experiences each day. 

Sample Daily Schedule

Time Block Activity
7:30 - 8:00 am Arrival / Learning Centers
8:15 - 8:30 am Morning Meeting
8:30 - 9:15 am Small Groups
9:15 - 9:30 am Snack
9:30 - 10:00 am Playground
10:00 - 11:00 am Learning Centers
11:00 - 11:30 am Circle Time
11:30 am - 12:00 pm Lunch
12:00 - 2:00 pm Rest Time
2:00 - 2:15 pm Snack
2:15 - 2:45 pm Playground
2:45 - 3:00 pm Circle Time
3:00 - 4:00 pm Learning Centers