Kindergarten at Wilkes-Barre Academy

At Wilkes-Barre Academy, our kindergarten reading program begins immediately at the start of the school year because students receive a strong foundation in phonics during preschool and prekindergarten. To ensure every child is appropriately placed, incoming kindergarten students complete a readiness assessment that helps determine whether the curriculum meets their individual needs. Kindergarten students follow the same curriculum framework and subject areas as our older students, creating a seamless academic progression throughout the school. Each grade level intentionally builds upon the previous one, and teachers work closely together to ensure a smooth transition by sharing important information that supports every student’s continued success.

By the midpoint of the school year, kindergarten students have mastered approximately 60 sight words, and by year’s end they have mastered 120 sight words. In addition, students develop early spelling skills through weekly spelling word sets. Throughout the year, they are regularly assessed in sight word recognition, reading fluency, mathematics, number identification, and spelling. Families stay informed through our schoolwide online portal, which provides access to grades, progress reports, report cards, and classroom calendars.

Within the classroom, students strengthen their literacy skills through engaging reading games and interactive reading charts that encourage daily practice. Family and community volunteers generously give their time to lead small-group reading experiences, helping our youngest learners build confidence and develop a lifelong love of reading. Watching these students grow into enthusiastic and capable readers is one of the most rewarding aspects of the kindergarten experience.

Kindergarten students at Wilkes-Barre Academy also benefit from a rich and well-rounded curriculum that extends far beyond core academics. Students participate in science, computer lab, library, sign language, art, music, and Spanish classes, as well as a weekly current events program through Scholastic News: Let’s Find Out. Every classroom is equipped with a Smartboard, providing interactive learning opportunities that enhance instruction and student engagement.

As with our older students, kindergarteners participate in many of the signature experiences that make a Wilkes-Barre Academy education unique. One highlight is performing in a class musical or dramatic production, which fosters teamwork, leadership, confidence, stage presence, public speaking skills, and an appreciation for the arts. At graduation, students proudly present a special program of poems and songs to celebrate their accomplishments. Another memorable milestone is the celebration of the 100th Day of School, a joyful tradition that recognizes both academic growth and the excitement of learning.

At Wilkes-Barre Academy, learning is only the beginning. We are a close-knit, family-oriented community dedicated to nurturing the academic, social, and personal growth of every child. Through high expectations, individualized support, and meaningful learning experiences, we inspire students to develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.