The kindergarten year, prior to entering the formal academic routine of first grade, is one of the most important educationally formative years. The program is specially designed to prepare these five year olds for the challenges they will face upon entering elementary school. The kindergarten faculty provides varied activities and exercises directed toward stimulating these youngsters.

As with Riviera’s preschool classes, each kindergarten class is staffed by a teacher and two full-time teacher aides. Thus, a student benefits from a low student-teacher ratio and from Riviera’s commitment to help each child reach his or her full potential. Small work groups and learning stations are integral parts of the kindergarten curriculum and aid teachers in identifying areas of strength and weakness.

Also, each child is directed into a program for reading and math to establish a strong foundation essential to later success. Kindergarteners continue their progress in the advanced mathematics program which challenges them to aim high while making learning fun. During the kindergarten year, these students also focus heavily on language arts development as they further develop reading, writing, and grammar skills. Through a variety of academic, manipulative, physical, social, and artistic activities, the faculty enhances each child’s innate curiosity, creative expression, and enthusiasm, thus developing well-rounded, responsible, and independent students.

Specialists in physical education, health, music, technology and Spanish add to the kindergarten academic curriculum and expose the students to a broad range of subject areas. Routine visits to the library give these children another opportunity to further develop their reading skills and their appreciation of literature. Also, the selective integration of classroom computers for reading, exploration, and discovery reinforces basic concepts and capitalizes on kindergarteners’ intrigue and enthusiasm. Additionally, these students are scheduled for regular visits to the computer lab in order to develop fundamental computer skills and to work on various applications. At the end of the regular school day, Riviera’s After School Program gives the children the chance to explore other areas of interest and activities such as gymnastics, karate, swimming, cheerleading, jazz, ballet, and arts and crafts.

The kindergarten program develops these young scholars’ minds, motor skills, artistic talents, and social abilities. The students are active participants each and every day. We encourage them to set and reach goals, and we provide an environment conducive to success and growth.