At Highland Rim Academy, we believe each of our students is a unique, whole person made in the image of God. Our classroom instruction techniques, curriculum, and discipleship-centered approach all work together to ensure our students receive an education that acknowledges the fullness of who they are in body, mind, and spirit. And by using the classical model we can confidently address our students’ needs in the most developmentally appropriate way at each step of their physical, mental, and spiritual development as they grow from the youngest learners among us in Kindergarten to mature young men and women senior year. Kindergarten registration is open for those who are turning 5 years old by July 31 of the enrolling year. We highly recommend that children with a summer birthday postpone enrollment for another year.

Below are some basic guidelines. We would love to talk to you in more detail if you have any questions. Please contact the school office at 931-526-4472 for more information or to set up a tour.

Academic Markers

  • Know first and last name

  • Write first name

  • Know phone number and address

  • Recite ABC’s accurately

  • Recognize all upper and lower case letters (does not have to write them)

  • Know names of basic shapes: triangle, square, rectangle, circle, diamond/rhombus

  • Know basic colors: red, green, yellow, blue, purple, orange, black, brown

  • Rhyming: Identify and offer rhyming words

  • Count to 20+

  • Recognize numbers 1-20

Developmental Markers

  • Verbal communication: willing and able to answer questions and participate in discussion

  • Be able to follow 2-3 step oral directions. Ex) sit down, smile, and fold your hands

  • Sit still and attentive for 10-15 minutes while listening to a story

  • Answer comprehension questions (Ex. “How did Lucy feel about meeting her new friend?”

  • Phonemic awareness (know whether sounds are the same or distinct in words)

  • Auditory memory (repeating digits or sentences)

  • Fine motor skills: correct pencil grip, cutting, tracing, etc

  • Know directional words: top, middle, left, right, bottom

  • Sorting by color, shape and size

  • Hand-eye coordination (tracking objects while counting)

  • Gross motor skills: balancing, skipping, hopping, stairs, etc

  • Show a cooperative attitude

 

Recommended Activities: How can I prepare my child?

Fine motor skills: play-doh, coloring, writing, drawing, sewing (cardboard cutouts and shoelaces), puzzles, cutting, etc

Word games: rhyming, beginning sounds (Ex. “What other words begin with a /b/ sound?”)

Gross motor play: leap frog, tag, climbing trees, rolling, wrestling, running, skipping, etc

Reading with an adult, babysitter, older sibling, etc for 20-30 minutes a day