WHITEMARSH
DAY SCHOOL​
Whitemarsh Day School Programs
What makes WDS an outstanding preschool program
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Selecting the perfect preschool or Pre-K is a big decision, and we’re here to make it easier. Here are the top 10 reasons why Whitemarsh Day School is a wonderful choice for your family:
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Small and Family-Owned
We’re proud to be a small, family-owned school. By keeping our class sizes intentionally small, we create a warm, nurturing, and personalized teaching environment where every child thrives. -
Mixed-Age Learning
Our classes include children aged 2.5 to 5 years, fostering a unique environment where younger children learn from older peers, and older students develop leadership skills by mentoring their younger friends. Throughout the day, we break into small, age-specific groups to focus on skill-building at each child’s level. -
Play-Based Learning
Play is at the heart of our philosophy. Children spend their days actively engaging with hands-on materials and enjoying movement activities. Our school feels more like an interactive children’s museum than a traditional classroom, with endless opportunities for creativity and discovery. -
Minimal Worksheets, Maximum Engagement
Instead of relying on worksheets, we emphasize experiential learning. Each week is centered around a fun and engaging theme, with lessons designed to teach letters, numbers, science, and more through play. Children are encouraged to create, explore, ask questions, and solve problems every day. -
Exciting Learning Centers
Our classroom features a variety of centers, including Math, Science, Art, Building Blocks, Writing, Dramatic Play, Puppet Theater, and a Library Reading Center. We’ve even added a Tinker Lab on our screened porch, giving children endless opportunities to learn through play and exploration. -
A Welcoming Community
Mondays are a highlight at WDS, with children excitedly sharing weekend stories with teachers and friends. We also encourage parent involvement through activities like our Annual Art Show, fostering a true sense of community and connection. -
Outdoor Learning, All Year Round
Our preschool is entirely outdoors, featuring a state-of-the-art open-air building completed in December 2021. Rain or shine, we embrace nature—rain boots for puddles and heaters for chilly winter days ensure comfort while we explore and learn outside. -
Dedicated Teachers
Our passionate and experienced teachers are committed to nurturing each child's unique strengths and interests. They work closely with families to ensure every student feels supported, valued, and inspired to learn. -
Focus on Social and Emotional Growth
At WDS, we prioritize not only academics but also social and emotional development. Through group activities, collaborative play, and gentle guidance, we help children build confidence, empathy, and lifelong interpersonal skills. -
A Safe and Supportive Environment
Safety is a top priority at WDS. Our open-air facility is thoughtfully designed to provide a secure and stimulating environment where children can explore freely, stay active, and enjoy the benefits of fresh air and nature every day.
At Whitemarsh Day School, we’re more than just a school—we’re a community where children flourish, learn, and grow. Come visit us to see what makes WDS truly special!
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Preschool
Our Preschool Program caters to children aged 2 ½ to 4 years old.
At Whitemarsh Day School, our preschoolers are curious inventors, problem solvers, explorers, and dreamers. Our educational approach is designed to positively impact your child’s academic growth. Recognizing that preschoolers thrive on learning new skills and mastering tasks, much of their learning takes place through hands-on experiences and play-based activities.
At WDS, we foster a stimulating environment that promotes purposeful play by introducing fresh materials across various classroom learning centers. Throughout the day, your child will engage in exploration, learning, and play at the following centers: Art and Writing Exploration, Blocks, Dramatic Play, Library, Music, Sand & Water, Science & Discovery, and Math Table Activities.
Our play and learning materials are organized into distinct centers, each offering unique developmental opportunities for preschoolers. Here are some examples of the benefits provided by these centers:
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Blocks & Building Design: Encourages architecture skills, independence, self-direction, vocabulary development, and cooperation.
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Dramatic Play: Supports social skills, conflict resolution, self-confidence, and mutual respect.
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Art and Writing Exploration: Promotes hand-eye coordination, name recognition, and creative self-expression.
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Library & Literature: Develops listening skills, word recognition, and oral language abilities.
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Math Table Activities: Enhances classification, problem-solving, and sequencing skills.
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Science & Discovery: Inspires experimentation, exploration, and predictive thinking.
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Sensory Play: Improves fine motor skills, measuring abilities, creativity, and both small and large muscle activity.
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Music & Movement: Builds listening skills, teamwork, and understanding of patterns.
Pre-K
Whitemarsh Day School also offers an outstanding Pre-K program tailored for children aged 4 to 5 years, preparing them for kindergarten in the following school year. This program uses a structured, small-group, theme-based instructional approach to promote kindergarten readiness.
The Pre-K curriculum covers foundational skills in reading, math, and science. Lesson plans include activities to develop phonemic awareness, sight word recognition, number concepts, cause-and-effect reasoning, and more through hands-on, age-appropriate materials. Learning is frequently facilitated through play and cooperative activities, ensuring engagement and enjoyment throughout the process.
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