Early Childhood Readiness (Pre-K & Kindergarten) | Oak Knoll Skip To Main Content

Navigation

Be part of Our Story

Hero

Is Your Child Ready For School?

Young Oak Knoll School students playing together on the playground

A Warm Welcome to the Start of Something Big

Starting school is a big step—for children and for families.

We've created an Early Childhood Readiness Guide to help you prepare for that moment with confidence, compassion, and clarity

Starting School is Exciting

It’s also emotional and, for some, even a little scary. And it often comes with questions like:

Should they already know their letters?

What if they still cry at drop-off?

Are they really ready?

We created a free downloadable guide to help you navigate those questions with confidence, compassion, and clarity.

Because at Oak Knoll, we believe school readiness is about much more than academics. It’s about nurturing the whole child—and supporting you, the whole way through.

Oak Knoll School student collaborating on a creative classroom activity

What's Inside The Guide...

  • What school readiness should really look like (no pressure, no checklists).
  • The 5 essential areas of early development that matter most
  • Real-world examples of skills in action
  • A sneak peek at how we support readiness in the Oak Knoll classroom
  • Teasers of at-home tips you'll receive in your inbox after downloading

And on download you’ll also receive a short email series with helpful tips, activity ideas, and insights into how to support your child’s development at home.

Complete the form below and we’ll send the guide straight to your inbox.

Oak Knoll School early childhood readiness guide brochure

About the Author

Maria Hargens, Lower School Director of Admission

Maria Hargens ’02

Oak Knoll Director of Lower School Admission

An Oak Knoll alumna, Maria earned dual master’s degrees from NYU in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education, following undergraduate studies at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Maria began her career in the classroom at the Academy of Saint Joseph in the West Village and spent 12 years at The Washington Market School in Tribeca, serving as Lead Teacher, Assistant Director of Enrollment, and Program Director. Warm, confident, and student-centered, she brings deep expertise in early learning to help families understand how joyful, purposeful experiences set the stage for lifelong growth.

 

Download Your Guide Here

Required

Name of parent/guardianrequired
First Name
Last Name
What academic year are you considering?

This guide is perfect for you if…

  • You're exploring Early Childhood programs for the coming year

  • You want to better understand your child’s growth and needs

  • You’re looking for a school that partners with parents, not pressures them

  • You simply want to feel more confident about this big transition.


Let this guide be your first step toward a calm, supported, joyful transition into school life.