ACADEMIC & PROGRAM OVERVIEW
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
INFANTS - PRE-KINDERGARTEN (4K)
Our Vision
cultivating compassionate leaders
A Place Where Young Learners Are Known, Loved, and Inspired to Grow
At Hickory Hill Academy, just minutes from Madison, Verona, and Fitchburg, we believe the early years are more than a beginning—they are the foundation for who a child becomes.
Our Early Childhood Education program is where curiosity, compassion, and confidence first take root.
​
Every day, our teachers nurture the whole child—helping them discover their strengths, build friendships, and develop a lifelong love of learning in a warm, play-based environment that feels like home.
Growing Compassionate Leaders from the Very Start
​
Everything we do at HHA is guided by our vision of cultivating compassionate leaders.
This begins long before Kindergarten. From the moment your child walks through our doors, we see them as capable, curious, and full of potential.
​
We honor their natural sense of wonder and surround them with warmth, encouragement, and opportunities to explore. The same values that guide our Kindergarten, Elementary, and Middle School programs—kindness, respect, empathy, and confidence—start right here in Early Childhood.
​
It’s the first step on a journey where children don’t just learn—they grow into the best version of themselves.
A Focus on the Whole Child​
Children learn best when they feel safe, loved, and known. Our teachers take the time to truly understand each child—celebrating their unique personality, interests, and learning style.
We focus on the whole child, nurturing growth in every area:
-
Areas of Learning at HHA (NAEYC-Aligned)
-
Cognitive Skills: Thinking, exploring, problem-solving
-
Language & Literacy: Listening, speaking, early reading and writing
-
Social-Emotional: Relationships, empathy, self-confidence
-
Physical Development: Gross & fine motor skills, health, and body awareness
-
Creative Arts: Art, music, movement, and imaginative play
-
Approaches to Learning: Curiosity, persistence, and engagement
-
Math & Science: Early numeracy, patterns, observation, and discovery
You’ll see it in every moment—when a teacher kneels to listen to a child’s idea, when friends solve a puzzle together, or when curiosity turns into discovery.
Purposeful Play: Where Learning Comes to Life
​
Play is how young children learn best. At HHA, play isn’t just fun—it’s purposeful.
As a NAEYC-accredited school, we follow the highest standards in early childhood education, knowing that play is the foundation for meaningful learning.
NAEYC reminds us:
“By harnessing children’s natural curiosity and their proclivities to experiment, explore, problem solve, and stay engaged in meaningful activities… teachers maximize learning while individualizing learning goals.”
Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed for exploration. Every activity—building, painting, sorting, or storytelling—encourages discovery, confidence, and joy.
Aligned with Research and Best Practices
Play-based
-
Purposeful play builds early literacy, math, and science skills through hands-on exploration and discovery.
-
Children learn critical thinking and problem-solving naturally as they experiment, create, and imagine.
-
Through collaborative play, children practice empathy, leadership, and communication—skills that prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.
-
Research and NAEYC standards affirm that play-based learning supports every area of child development and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
Relationship-driven
-
Each classroom environment is warm, nurturing, and designed to make every child feel safe, seen, and supported.
-
Positive child - teacher - parent relationships build confidence and curiosity, encouraging children to explore and engage deeply.
-
Our educators model empathy and respect, helping children develop strong social-emotional skills that shape them into compassionate leaders.
-
Families are true partners in our approach—we work hand-in-hand with parents to celebrate growth and milestones.
Responsive to
each child’s developmental stage
-
Guided by Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards, our curriculum adapts to each child’s unique strengths and interests.
-
Teachers observe and respond to children’s needs in real time, creating individualized experiences that inspire confidence and joy.
-
Learning goals are flexible and rooted in respect for each child’s developmental journey, ensuring both challenge and success.
-
This responsive approach builds the foundation for strong school readiness, self-motivation, and a lifelong love of learning.
Curriculum Highlights
Purposeful Play & Inquiry-Based Learning
-
Guided play builds early literacy, math, and science foundations through hands-on discovery.
-
Teachers balance structure with freedom, allowing children to explore, question, and experiment.
-
Every activity connects to meaningful learning goals that grow with your child.
Social-Emotional Growth & Character Foundations
-
Daily routines, group activities, and reflection help children practice empathy, listening, and cooperation.
-
Teachers model the L-E-A-D-E-R-S traits—Listeners, Empathetic, Accepting, Disciplined, Ethical, Respectful, and Selfless.
-
Children gain confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging that prepares them for success in kindergarten and beyond.
Connection to Nature &
Our Campus
-
Daily outdoor learning encourages curiosity, movement, and sensory exploration.
-
Children build confidence and problem-solving skills as they engage with nature in every season.
-
Experiences on our campus spark wonder and teach respect for the environment and all living things.
Continuing the Journey: From Early Childhood
to Middle School
A Consistent Philosophy
What begins here continues naturally through every stage of your child’s education.
The warmth, curiosity, and character we cultivate in Early Childhood seamlessly flow into our Kindergarten, Elementary, and Middle School programs.
Caring, Connected Educators
At every step, children are guided by caring educators who see them as individuals and help them grow into confident, compassionate leaders.
The consistency of values and approach—rooted in love, community, and excellence—means your child feels secure, supported, and challenged at every age.
Growth with Purpose
Explore Our K–8 Academic Program
A Place That Feels Like Home
Families often tell us that Hickory Hill Academy feels like home the moment they walk in.
That’s because our teachers know each child’s favorite book, their biggest smile, and the things that make them feel brave. We take great pride in creating a community where children and families are welcomed with open hearts—and where learning feels joyful every single day.
We’d love to show you what makes this place so special during all of the seasons!
Inquire today to schedule a tour!
​
