We believe the early years are the most foundational in a child’s desire for learning. First impressions are everything, and to a developing mind, is it these grades that form the first impressions for structure, curiosity, creativity, and effort. These are the pillars of learning, and we rely on these as we grow and explore new fields of engagement.

So, as parents, we must wonder; what is our child’s relationship with learning? Is there structure in place, especially when you are not there to provide it? Is your child being prompted daily to develop curiosity, or in an environment where creativity can flourish? And, does your child have the attention he/she needs to be guided and pushed through that threshold of discomfort where growth exists? These are what we strive for with our own children, and provide through Heartstone Academy.

More is required than just meeting the state mandated benchmarks. We must meet our students where they are and see just how much they are capable of. It is our job as educators to nurture a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Here’s how we aim to do it:

Traditional kindergarten in Missouri public schools follows the Missouri Learning Standards, which define knowledge and skills in core subjects like English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. These standards ensure a baseline for academic readiness.
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Heartstone Academy’s Root Foundation class curriculum is designed to surpass the standards. These are our objectives:

Early Reading: We do not rely on sight words, but instead the ability for students to sound out and form words, while understanding and forming their own patterns for basic reading abilities.
Early Writing: Students learn to form words and sentences, including their basic information (name, address, family, etc). Handwriting skills are developed. Students are progressed into writing short paragraphs.
Comprehension: Students transition from early reading to deeper reading with a strong emphasis on comprehension and analysis.
Basic Math: We progress from single-digit operations to understanding place value, two-digit addition/subtraction, and early grouping concepts.
History: We introduce basic timeline formats of major events, people, and holiday foundations. We focus on establishing a sense of chronological order, time awareness, and narrative formation.
Responsibility Structuring: Students learn responsibility and executive function by participating in classroom jobs and chores, which fosters independence and organizational skills.
Scientific Observation: Through structured inquiry and hands-on experiments, students observe natural phenomena and begin to understand big concepts in simple terms. Students learn to ask Why, and develop principles to finding answers.
Question Formation (Socratic Method): We actively encourage inquisitive thinking and word play as ways to develop curiosity and critical analysis.  
Measurement and Patterns: Practical application of measurement tools and pattern recognition are introduced, developing logical and spatial reasoning.
Cooperation & Conflict Resolution: Through story and play, students learn to develop effective strategies for teamwork and navigating social challenges respectfully.
Social Studies & Maps: Students explore communities, cultures, map skills, and geographical concepts, fostering an understanding of the world around them.
Grammar: Basic grammar rules are introduced, refining both written and spoken language.
Attention & Organization: Through structured activities and personal responsibility, students learn to focus for extended periods and manage their materials and tasks effectively.
Motor Skills: Continual refinement through crafting, writing, and physical development for fluid movement and coordination.
Take-Home Projects: These projects encourage independent research, creativity, and a deeper engagement with learning, fostering a sense of ownership and excitement for learning outside the classroom.

Our Root graduates are meant to be proficient in reading and writing at least one grade level ahead of their own. They possess advanced mathematical reasoning, and are exceptional problem solvers. Our graduates are considered to be high performers.

Heartstone Academy aims to change the standard of early education from adequate to excellent. As we grow, adding new class levels each year, our commitment to child-centered learning remains the same. We will continue to push the boundary of student potential in an engaging, fun, and truly organic way.  

Disclaimer: Heartstone Academy is a private educational program serving school-aged children ages 5 and up. As such, we operate under Missouri Revised Statutes § 167.031, which excludes use from the oversight of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Heartstone Academy is strictly a learning center, and not considered a child-care facility.