Half-Day Kindergarten

When I moved down here, I was shocked about the full day as well...I was a teacher. I am from NJ and had never heard of a full day kindergarten. I haven't thought much about it in a while because I only have a 3 year old right now. However, I believe that most of the kindergarten classes have a rest/nap time in the afternoon for at least the first half of the year. I am not positive about that, but worth checking into before you pay for kindergarten.

Hi C.,

My 3 children went to North Raleigh Church of Christ for 1/2 day preschool.This will be the schools 2nd year of offering kindergarten. I however am not sure about openings. My children made perfect transitions from this preschool to our public school. My 2 1/2 is enrolled and this will be his 2nd year. They teach our children sooo many wonderful things and are very personable. My children were taught Spanish, signing, music appreciation, art and exercise.
Their phone # is ###-###-#### and the Directors name is Elise McCullough.

Good luck,

Deb S

Raleigh Christian Academy located off Hwy 64 East at the Beltline on Trawick Road is a wonderful school to check out. The kindergarten class is a full day (you can pick up early) but with all children going down for a nap after lunch -- waking up when it is time to go home. So technically, a full day, but with a wonderful nap after lunch. Only a half day of work for them -- and like I said, you can pick them up each day before the naptime. Check them out!

I don't know of any half-day programs, but what I can tell you is (at least for Johnston County schools) the kids in K take about a 45 minute "rest" in the afternoon. So, school started around 9, they had opening time (what is the day, date, weather), had some desk time with the teacher, had a snack, had more classroom time, went to lunch, played on the playground, came in for a little rest time, then perhaps had one more subject (art).

Hope this helps. Also, when my son was in K, I was in that classroom to help (after about a month of letting him personally adjust). I think that helped a lot, too.

Hi C.,

I am an elementary teacher. My student teaching was in Missouri with a half day Kindergarten program (one state of very few left in the nation with half day K.). I have taught first grade and second. Therefore, I know the research, the brain developement that is occuring from birth to 7 years of age (mostly the younger) is unbelievable. Meaning that is the only time the brain makes new connections and pathways. The more paths the brain has for connecting information the easier it is to access and pull out information. Yatta yatta right? Well, I can go on, but it is crucial for the most brain activity to cause increasing developement at that time in ones life. Therefore, I feel full day Kindergarten is by far the best. Children need that much stimulation and preparation for first grade. No offence :) But, most parents have no idea what is expected and the level of learning that goes on in the classroom. Especially Wake County has very high expectations. Food for thought, the majority of developed countries start their children out in school by age 4 learning two languages. I hope this is helpful. Please respond if you have any other questions. I am more than happy to help with whatever you decide.

Blessings,
Amanda