The Kindergarten Program

The Thorne Kindergarten Center at Haverford provides a developmentally appropriate, child-centered program in a small and nurturing setting. It is especially appropriate for parents who wish their children to have a full-day kindergarten experience (8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) that combines a traditional kindergarten curriculum with many opportunities for active play and social interaction. 

"I often find myself responding to my daughters with the words and tone I have heard their teachers use because I know those words are coming from a place of love and best practices combined!" —Kindergarten Parent

Admissions

Admission to the Thorne Kindergarten program is on a rolling basis, with priority given to current Thorne families. An Open House is held in October. Thorne families make their commitments by the first of December, after which visits for new children are scheduled. Interested families should contact the Program Director in the fall to make formal application.

Fees for 2024-25

Full Day Program Mon.-Fri., 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $19,950
(dates/rates tentative and subject to change)    

Kindergarten generally follows the Lower Merion school calendar.

For information about admissions to the Thorne Kindergarten Traditional Program, contact Marcia Leithauser by email (mleithause@brynmawr.edu) or at 610-645-0204.

Teachers

Deborah A. Moran

Deborah A. Moran is an assistant teacher in the Kindergarten Center. She has worked at Thorne since 2010. She has more than 16 years of childcare and development experience including roles as a pre-school teacher and playgroup facilitator.​ dmoran@brynmawr.edu • 610-645-0204


Rachel Stern

Rachel Stern is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College (B.A.) and Temple University (M.Ed.) and has been teaching at Thorne School since 2013. Rachel is also the teacher/coordinator of the Summer Camp program. rstern@brynmawr.edu • 610-645-0204


""

Erin Tessler, a teacher in the Nearly 3s Preschool classroom, is a graduate of Wake Forest University (B.S. in elementary education). She taught at Lake Highland Prep and The Shipley School. In addition to working with our toddlers, Erin teachers summer reading with Little Ones for Literacy. Having been part of the Thorne community as a parent, Erin joined the Thorne faculty in 2018. etessler@brynmawr.edu • 610-526-7913 

Calendars

2022

August 2022
1 Tuition due 1st semester
29-Sept. 2 Faculty preparation
September 2022
1 Virtual Back to School Night 7 p.m.
5 School closed – Labor Day
6 First half day for group #1 8:45 a.m.–12 p.m. (no bus)
7 First half day for group #2 8:45 a.m.–12 p.m. (no bus)
8 Whole class half day 8:45 a.m.–12 p.m. (no bus)
9 Whole class full day 8:45 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (no bus)
12-16 First week of school: whole class, full days (bus transportation begins)
21 Picture Day
26 School closed – Rosh Hashanah
October 2022
5 School closed – Yom Kippur
10 School closed – Teacher In-Service
24 Kindergarten Admissions Open House (Virtual)
TBD Fall Festival
TBD LMC Bonfire
November 2022
14-25 Book Fair (Children's Book World)
21-22 School closed – Parent Conferences via Zoom
23-25 School closed – Thanksgiving Break
December 2022
16 Last day of school before Winter Break (transportation as usual)
19-Jan. 3 School closed – Winter Break

2023

January 2023
4 School resumes
16 School closed – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
22 Tuition due – 2nd semester
February 2023
17 and 20 School closed – President's Weekend
TBA Winter Community Event 
March 2023
24 School closed – Professional Development Day
April 2023
3-10 School closed – Spring Vacation
11 School resumes after Spring Break
TBA Spring Community Event
May 2023
12 and 19 Parent Conferences: half days, 12 p.m. dismissal (no P.M. bus) 
29 School closed – Memorial Day
June 2023
9 Last Day Family Brunch 9:30-11 a.m., regular arrival (no dismissal bus service)