Pre-Kindergarten Program | North Carolina
Watching your child grow from a curious toddler into a confident, capable learner ranks among parenting's greatest joys, and pre-kindergarten is where so much of that growth takes shape. At Cranfield Academy, our Pre-Kindergarten program in North Carolina helps your child build the literacy, math, and social skills needed for a strong start in kindergarten. Through warm relationships, hands-on learning, and a curriculum built around the whole child, our pre-k classes give your preschooler the confidence, curiosity, and readiness to thrive in this exciting next chapter.
Pre-Kindergarten Program Enrollment
Ages Served
4 years to 5 years
Schedule Options
Full-day program with extended care available
Hours
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monday through Friday
Is Potty Training Required?
Yes. Children must be independently potty-trained before enrolling in our Pre-Kindergarten class. Our teachers provide gentle guidance and encouragement so parents feel supported during this important step.
Curriculum Focus
Our Pre-Kindergarten program focuses on school-readiness academics through hands-on literacy, math, science, art, and social development. Cranfield Academy uses a creative, whole-child curriculum that supports language development, critical thinking, and school readiness while keeping learning joyful and developmentally appropriate. The Creative Curriculum describes this kind of whole-child approach as supporting kindergarten readiness across language, literacy, mathematics, social-emotional, physical, cognitive, science and technology, and the arts.
Daily Routine
Each day includes structured group lessons, open-ended learning centers, outdoor play, enrichment, lunch, rest time, and focused small-group work. These predictable routines help children feel secure while also giving them time to engage in self-directed exploration, movement, and academic skill-building throughout the week.
Classroom Experience
Our classroom combines hands-on materials with Smart Board technology, award-winning educational software, and engaging learning centers. In this warm school setting, students are taught through meaningful experiences that help them build independence, curiosity, and readiness for their first year of kindergarten.
About Our Pre-Kindergarten Program
Our Pre-Kindergarten program serves families who want their child to enter kindergarten feeling confident, capable, and genuinely excited to learn. This is a big year of growth, and our teachers meet each child exactly where they are, blending academics, movement, and social learning inside a warm, nurturing classroom. According to the Learning Policy Institute, students who attend high-quality preschool programs gain benefits that can last through school and across their lifetimes. The National Institute for Early Education Research reports that high-quality pre-k can return as much as $17 for every dollar invested once lifetime outcomes are considered. The Institute of Education Sciences finds that children in high-quality early childhood programs enter kindergarten with more advanced language, reading, and math skills. That research reflects the foundation we build every day in our Pre-Kindergarten classes in North Carolina.
From 4 to 5: Child Development Support For Every Stage
Every part of the day supports your child's growth toward kindergarten readiness, from early academics to social confidence. This is what you and your little one can expect in our Pre-K classes:
- Language and Literacy Growth – Through storytelling, phonics, songs, journaling, and shared reading, your child builds vocabulary, listening skills, and early reading and writing readiness for kindergarten and beyond.
- Math and Science Discovery – Playful, hands-on activities help your child make sense of numbers, patterns, and simple science concepts, building the reasoning skills that support future academic success.
- Social Development and Classroom Readiness – Our teachers offer patient guidance as your child learns to follow directions, work independently, and cooperate with classmates, building the friendships and self-control kindergarten requires.
- Motor Skills and Physical Confidence – Fine motor practice, outdoor play, and hands-on activities strengthen the coordination and stamina your child needs for writing, cutting, and active play throughout the school year.
Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment and Registration
Ready to give your child a strong, joyful foundation before kindergarten? Our enrollment process feels simple and welcoming for families exploring pre-k programs in North Carolina. Contact us, request more information, or tour our school in person. Touring lets you see our curriculum in action, meet our teachers, and feel the warmth of a program built around confidence and readiness.
Why Families Trust Cranfield Academy for Pre-Kindergarten in North Carolina
Families choose our Pre-Kindergarten program because they want their child to enter kindergarten truly ready, not rushed.
- Our campus proudly maintains a 5 Star rating from North Carolina’s Division of Child Development & Early Education, demonstrating our commitment to high-quality education, safety, and excellence in childcare.
- Experienced teachers guide your child through this important transition from preschool to elementary school.
- Our whole-child curriculum supports literacy, math, science, and social growth in age-appropriate ways.
- Healthy meals and snacks prepared on site support attention, wellness, and energy throughout the day.
- Outdoor play and enrichment opportunities help your child strengthen motor skills and stay engaged.
- We value open communication with families and work closely with parents to support each child’s progress.
- Cranfield Academy is proud that 96 percent of our students meet or exceed national benchmarks, reflecting the strength of our preparation and care.
A Private School Serving North Carolina
Many children continue into our Pre-Kindergarten class after preschool, giving them continuity, familiar relationships, and a stronger sense of belonging as they prepare for kindergarten.
Parent Reviews
Ashley K.
January 21, 2025
We love Cranfield, the staff, the teachers. I would recommend it to anyone!
Kaycee M.
December 17, 2024
We love all of the staff, communication, and extra special details that make our little one feel special, safe, and happy to go to school.
Marissa B.
December 3, 2024
Cranfield has been an amazing place for us. Our son has grown immensely and the staff are so caring and engaged. He looks forward to going each day and is always so happy. We love that they send updates throughout the day and the stimulating curriculum they implement.
Jeanne F.
December 3, 2024
We loved our time at Cranfield Academy. The teachers and staff were wonderful and took great care of all 3 of our children! Our son had some medical and behavioral difficulties, but the teachers at Cranfield worked with us to make sure he had a wonderful experience as well.
Ashley D.
October 15, 2024
My son Eli has been going to this school for over a year and he a absolutely loves this school. He loves his teachers Ms. Deera & Ms. Madelyn, he enjoys all his friends and its a very welcoming environment, and I have never had an issue with anything at the school. I thank everyone here for their hard work and always the friendly attitudes.
Russell L.
September 4, 2024
The staff is the best.
April G.
April 2, 2024
Mrs. Libby Gant and the staff work really hard to make the environment safe and educational for the kids. She works hard to quickly address issues that may arise. As a parent, I feel informed and that means so much when your child is in someone else's hands.
Jean F.
January 16, 2024
The many things to which they expose our children.
Alexandra C.
September 27, 2023
We love the teachers. Ms. Rachel, Ms. Keyona and Ms. Barbara, (Mr. James, the chef too), are so beloved by our daughter. Our daughter thinks Ms. Rachel is the coolest person ever. Ms. Rachel is warm, bubbly, compassionate, kind and such an amazing teacher. She makes all the kids feel special. Ms. Keyona is fun, personable and will explore children’s interests with them. Ms. Barbara is our new teacher this year who we love so far, and our daughter is so eager to make Ms. Barbara proud. And Mr. James makes the best food per our daughter. If I try to make something at home that Mr. James makes, she always says that his version is better.
Keyonna T.
September 5, 2023
Awesome director, center and teachers!!
Other Programs Available at Our School
Our infant program provides nurturing care in a safe, stimulating environment where babies begin their earliest learning journey with trust and connection.
Our toddler program supports independence, language growth, and social development through guided play and hands-on discovery.
Our early preschool program helps younger children build foundational skills through developmentally appropriate routines, exploration, and relationship-based learning.
Our preschool program expands academic and social foundations so children can enter pre-kindergarten with stronger readiness and enthusiasm.
Our summer programs keep children engaged with creative projects, outdoor fun, and new friendships while school is out.
Other Programs Available at Our School
Our infant program provides nurturing care in a safe, stimulating environment where babies begin their earliest learning journey with trust and connection.
Our toddler program supports independence, language growth, and social development through guided play and hands-on discovery.
Our early preschool program helps younger children build foundational skills through developmentally appropriate routines, exploration, and relationship-based learning.
Our preschool program expands academic and social foundations so children can enter pre-kindergarten with stronger readiness and enthusiasm.
Our summer programs keep children engaged with creative projects, outdoor fun, and new friendships while school is out.
Pre-Kindergarten Sample Schedule (4 to 5 Years)
7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Free Play: Children arrive and engage in self-guided play at all learning centers, focusing on exploration and choice-making.
8:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. Morning Snack: Nutritious morning snacks provide energy while children practice social skills and healthy habits.
8:50 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Circle Time and Learning Centers: Morning circle includes language development activities through finger plays, songs, stories, and daily exercise. Children then participate in theme-related learning, offering choices in activities and play.
10:30 a.m. - 10:55 a.m. Group Activities: Students participate in Smart Board sessions and theme-related activities including math and science. Pre-kindergarten students focus on alphabet activities, journaling, and academic skill building.
10:55 a.m. - 11:35 a.m. Outdoor Play and Enrichment Activities: Weather permitting, children enjoy physical fitness and outdoor exploration. Indoor alternatives include cooperative games and gross motor activities.
11:35 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch: Hot, nutritious lunch supports healthy eating while children practice conversation skills and table manners.
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Rest Period: Children rest quietly with soft music to recharge for afternoon learning. Quiet activities accommodate different rest needs.
2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Afternoon Snack: Healthy snacks fuel continued learning and provide social interaction opportunities.
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Group Activity: Pre-kindergarten students participate in show and tell, small group activities, and presentation skills development.
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Learning Centers and Enrichment Activities: Students engage in open-ended learning activities. Soccer Shots and music enrichment programs enhance physical and creative development.
4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Outdoor Play and Learning Centers: Second outdoor opportunity supports physical development and fresh air exploration.
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Learning Centers: The day concludes with group games and free play across learning centers including music, sensory experiences, and art. Story time brings the day to a peaceful close.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Pre-Kindergarten Program
Your child builds early literacy, math, and science skills through hands-on lessons, while also growing socially and emotionally through group activities, cooperative play, and daily routines that build independence and confidence.
Schedule a Tour!
There is so much heart in this season before kindergarten. Your child is still wonderfully little, yet also becoming more independent, more expressive, and more ready for what comes next. At Cranfield Academy, our Pre-Kindergarten program in North Carolina gives your child the time, encouragement, and academic foundation needed to step into kindergarten with joy and confidence. We would love to welcome your family, show you our Pre-K classes, and help you feel certain about this next chapter for your child.