Kindergarten at Benchmark School is a special year in the life of a child. As the stepping stone between Pre-K and elementary school, it’s a time for children to explore and grow - academically, socially and emotionally. At Benchmark School, we understand the importance of nurturing each child through this formative year, and here are some details on how we do it!
Skilled Teachers
Benchmark School’s Kindergarten teachers bring experience and skill to their work. In the 2024-25 school year, this includes Miss Rubenstein and Mrs. Ponter - both in their second year of teaching at Benchmark - and Mrs. Hull, who has been teaching at Benchmark for 8 years. Their classrooms are warm and welcoming environments, and they are skilled at engaging all learners in classroom activities.
A Schedule for Busy Bodies
Young learners are active, so Benchmark School’s Kindergarten class schedule intentionally incorporates learning time with plenty of breaks for movement. Here’s an overview of the daily schedule:
8-8:10-Morning Meeting
8:10-8:15-National Anthem & Pledge
8:15-8:30-Calendar
8:40-9:40-Reading
9:45-10:10-Snack & Snack Recess
10:15-10:55-Math
11-11:55- Lunch & Recess
11:55-12:10-Star of the Week
12:15-1:05-Specials (Science Lab, PE, Makerspace, Art, Music)
1:05-1:15-Afternoon Snack
1:15-1:35-Writing
1:35-2:40-Social Studies/Science
2:45-3-Clean Up/Pack Up/Dismissal
Core Knowledge Curriculum
Benchmark School uses Core Knowledge curriculum in all grades, including Kindergarten. Core Knowledge is a research-based sequence that builds foundations for later learning through content-specific curriculum, introducing topics typically associated with later grades through hands-on activities. Benchmark School Kindergarten students focus on a different unit of study each month, incorporating poems, science, art history, reading, math concepts and social studies topics into engaging and creative projects.
Character Matters
Benchmark School’s Kindergarten curriculum also develops the whole child through Core Virtues lessons. Each month our teachers highlight a key intellectual, moral, or civic virtue – such as respect, responsibility, diligence, honesty, generosity, or perseverance. They read quality children’s literature at a “Morning Meeting” to provide inspirational or insightful examples of virtue in action. Core Virtues lessons begin in Kindergarten but continue throughout the Benchmark School experience, growing to include more self-reflection and discussion in our older grades classrooms.
Benchmark School serves Kindergarten students with top-notch education that lays a foundation for success in later grades. Are you interested in learning more about how Benchmark can be a fit for your child? Contact us and enroll today for Preschool and Grades K-6.
About Benchmark School
Benchmark School is a Preschool and Elementary School serving students in the Phoenix, AZ area. Benchmark offers tuition-free half-day K and 1st-6th grades, and tuition-based options for PreK and full-day K. Our foundational approach to academics inspires knowledge and develops character. Students are supported by a tight-knit community of caring teachers and staff and engaged families. Join Benchmark School today! Enrolling now.