4s & 5s Class

Our 4s & 5s class is a warm, play-based preschool program designed to support kindergarten readiness while nurturing each child’s confidence, curiosity, and independence. Through hands-on exploration, cooperative play, and engaging activities in math, science, and literacy, children develop foundational academic and social-emotional skills in a joyful learning environment.

We believe in supporting the whole child by fostering social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Children are encouraged to express themselves creatively, develop empathy and problem-solving skills, build resilience, and gain confidence in their abilities. Through both structured activities and open-ended play, students learn to navigate friendships, manage emotions, and become active participants in their learning.

Our classroom maintains a ratio of 5:1 or better, allowing teachers and participating parents to provide meaningful individual attention and support. With a low student-to-adult ratio, children benefit from stronger relationships with caregivers, more personalized guidance, and increased opportunities for encouragement, conversation, and hands-on learning. This nurturing environment helps each child feel seen, supported, and confident as they grow and learn.

Children are encouraged to make choices, solve problems, build friendships, and practice self-help skills that prepare them for a successful transition to kindergarten. Letter and number recognition are introduced through games, songs, storytelling, and meaningful examples of literacy woven throughout the classroom experience.

Parent Participation

As a parent participation program, families play an important role in the classroom community. Parent involvement helps strengthen the connection between home and school while creating a supportive environment where children thrive.

Parents of students in the 4s & 5s class are required to participate in the classroom 3–4 times per month. Participating parents must fulfill basic health requirements and remain current with parent education information provided by the Directors.

Each family is also expected to contribute to the cooperative school community through housekeeping and maintenance responsibilities. One parent per student performs scheduled housekeeping duties twice during the school year. In addition, one parent from each family participates in one group housekeeping day and one maintenance day annually.

Our Community

Lafayette Nursery School values diversity and welcomes families from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment where every child and family feels a sense of belonging.

Our cooperative preschool model encourages meaningful connections between parents and children, creating a strong sense of community that often extends far beyond the preschool years. Families have the opportunity to build friendships that can last a lifetime while sharing insights, support, and resources with one another along the way.