What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) approach to early childhood education?

The IB approach to early childhood education emphasizes inquiry-based, play-centered learning that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and holistic development in young children.

How does the IB Preschool and Kindergarten program benefit young learners in the Hampton Roads region?

The IB program helps young learners in Hampton Roads develop a love for learning, strong social skills, and global awareness, preparing them to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.

What is inquiry-based learning in the IB approach?

Inquiry-based learning encourages children to ask questions, explore topics of interest, and actively participate in their own learning, fostering independence and deeper understanding.

How does IB learning support social and emotional development?

IB learning promotes collaboration, empathy, and communication, helping children build positive relationships, manage emotions, and develop confidence in social settings.

What differences exist between IB and traditional preschool/kindergarten programs?

Unlike traditional programs, IB classrooms focus on student-led inquiry, transdisciplinary learning, and real-world connections, with teachers guiding rather than directing the learning process.

How do IB teaching methods prepare children for future academic success?

IB teaching methods build critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability from an early age, giving children the skills and mindset needed to excel in future academic settings.

What age can my child start an IB preschool?

Children can typically begin an IB preschool program — formally part of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) — at age 3, though some IB-authorized schools welcome children as young as 2.5 depending on local guidelines and the child's readiness for a structured group environment. The PYP officially serves learners ages 3 to 12, so an early start allows your child to grow within the same inquiry-based framework all the way through elementary school, building strong critical thinking, social, and global-citizenship skills year over year.

Kindergarten Archives - Strelitz International Academy

Since 2020, cultivating early childhood education to adapt to a global future has been more critical than ever. After all, how we teach plays a vital role in the child’s development. The International Baccalaureate (IB®) approach has gained worldwide recognition for its comprehensive and holistic framework, which propels students on a brighter path toward adulthood. Let’s explore the benefits of the IB® program in IB® elementary schools and highlight its key principles, application, and strategies for implementing the next generation of world leaders.

What Is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Approach to Learning in Preschool and Kindergarten?

The IB approach to learning in preschool and kindergarten is a globally recognized educational framework that nurtures young minds through inquiry, exploration, and meaningful play. Rather than relying on rote memorization, IB early childhood classrooms invite children to ask questions, investigate ideas, and connect learning to the world around them. Parents searching for best inquiry-based IB preschool programs near them will find that the IB framework — known formally as the Primary Years Programme (PYP) — places equal value on academic, social, emotional, and physical development from the earliest years.

At its core, the IB approach treats every child as a capable, curious thinker. Teachers design learning experiences around six transdisciplinary themes, such as “Who we are” and “How the world works,” so that even three- and four-year-olds begin to see themselves as global citizens. Families looking for a holistic IB kindergarten focused on play-based learning appreciate that lessons unfold through guided exploration, sensory experiences, storytelling, and collaborative projects rather than worksheets and drills.

Understanding the International Baccalaureate (IB) Approach to Learning

The International Baccalaureate program is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and hyperfocus on creating globally-minded individuals. In preschool and kindergarten, the IB methodology extends these values to young learners through the Primary Years Programme (PYP) — nurturing a love for learning, inquiry-based thinking, and the development of a solid lifelong skillset. The PYP is intentionally designed for children ages 3 to 12, making it one of the most respected frameworks for early childhood education worldwide. It blends academic rigor with social-emotional growth, cultural awareness, and personal responsibility, preparing young learners not just for the next grade but for a meaningful place in the world.

IB® Principles:

1. Inquiry-Based Learning

IB® encourages children to participate dynamically in their education through curiosity, asking questions, and embracing special interests. IB® students enforce valuable critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world they live in.

2. Incorporating Play

Play is at the heart of early childhood development, and the IB® program understands this all too well. Preschool and kindergarten classrooms that engage in purposeful play can realize a wealth of opportunities for creativity, social skills, and problem-solving.

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3. Holistic Development

Holistic development involves the child’s cognitive, social, physical, and emotional aspects. It prioritizes the interconnectedness of these areas to model a well-rounded education and healthy well-being.

4. Transdisciplinary Learning

The IB® curriculum in Virginia Beach, near Norfolk and Chesapeake uplifts children to use their knowledge and skills across various subject areas. This means that students can carry the lessons learned from one subject into another discipline, solving problems through transdisciplinary activities, connections, and understanding concepts more clearly.

What Makes IB Different From Traditional Preschool Education?

While traditional preschools often focus on alphabet drills, calendar time, and teacher-directed instruction, an IB classroom flips the dynamic — children lead, and teachers guide. The IB Primary Years Programme builds learning around real questions children ask, weaving literacy, numeracy, science, and social studies into themed units of inquiry. For parents comparing options, the difference shows up not just in what children learn but in how they engage with learning each day. Choosing a private IB school with an inquiry-based kindergarten curriculum means choosing a learning environment where curiosity is the engine, not the byproduct.

IB Preschool vs Traditional Preschool: Key Differences

Aspect	IB Preschool / Kindergarten	Traditional Preschool
Learning Approach	Inquiry-based and child-led, learning unfolds through questions and exploration.	Teacher-directed, structured lessons follow a fixed daily schedule.
Curriculum Structure	Transdisciplinary units of inquiry that integrate multiple subjects around real-world themes.	Subject-by-subject instruction with limited cross-disciplinary connection.
Role of the Teacher	Facilitator and co-learner who guides discovery and asks open-ended questions.	Primary source of information that delivers content and assesses recall.
Assessment Method	Portfolios, observation, reflection, and milestone tracking show holistic growth.	Quizzes, worksheets, and standardized checklists measure recall.
Global Perspective	International-mindedness, cultural awareness, and the IB Learner Profile are central.	Local or national focus with limited cultural exposure.
Play and Creativity	Purposeful play is the primary vehicle for cognitive and social development.	Play is often treated separately from “real” academic work.
Skills Developed	Critical thinking, communication, collaboration, self-management, and research skills.	Foundational literacy, numeracy, and following directions.

How Does IB Early Childhood Education Improve Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking does not begin in middle school — it starts the first time a four-year-old asks, “But why?” and receives a thoughtful invitation to investigate rather than a quick answer. IB early childhood classrooms are intentionally built around that instinct. Children are encouraged to observe, hypothesize, test their ideas, reflect, and revise their thinking — the same cycle used by scientists, designers, and thoughtful citizens. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences, early experiences with inquiry and language-rich environments significantly strengthen executive function and reasoning skills in young children.

Several IB practices directly grow critical-thinking muscles in preschoolers and kindergartners:

Open-ended questioning: Teachers ask “What do you notice?” and “What might happen if…?” instead of yes/no prompts.
Provocations and inquiry stations: Carefully designed materials spark curiosity and invite children to form their own theories.
Reflection routines: Daily “thinking time” lets children explain their reasoning, building metacognition.
Collaborative problem-solving: Group challenges teach children to weigh different viewpoints before reaching a conclusion.
Transferable concepts: Big ideas like “change,” “systems,” and “perspective” travel from one unit of inquiry to the next, so children learn to apply thinking, not just facts.

By kindergarten graduation, children in an IB setting are noticeably more comfortable asking thoughtful questions, defending their reasoning, and changing their minds when presented with new evidence — habits that translate directly into stronger readers, writers, and mathematicians in elementary school.

How to Choose an IB Kindergarten for My Child?

Selecting the right IB kindergarten is one of the most consequential decisions a family makes in the early years. The good news is that the IB framework gives parents clear markers to evaluate — but each school still has its own personality, community, and strengths. Families considering an International Baccalaureate kindergarten emphasizing global citizenship and diversity should look for schools that not only teach the curriculum but also live the IB Learner Profile through everyday culture, traditions, and relationships.

Here is a practical checklist parents can use when touring schools:

Verify authorization status: Confirm the school is an officially authorized IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), not just “IB-inspired.”
Observe a classroom in session: Look for children leading conversations, asking questions, and moving through hands-on inquiry stations — not sitting silently at desks.
Ask about the units of inquiry: Strong PYP schools can walk you through each transdisciplinary theme and show student work that reflects deep thinking.
Evaluate teacher qualifications: IB-trained educators receive ongoing professional development; ask how often staff attend IB workshops.
Examine the school’s culture: Diversity of families, languages, and traditions enriches the global-mindedness that defines IB.
Check the student-teacher ratio: Smaller class sizes (often 10–14 in early years) allow personalized inquiry and stronger relationships.
Review assessment practices: Portfolios, learning journeys, and student-led conferences indicate authentic PYP assessment.
Consider community connection: The best IB schools partner with parents and the wider community as co-educators.

Taking the time to visit, ask questions, and watch children in action will reveal far more than any brochure. The right IB kindergarten will feel less like a school and more like a community of curious thinkers your child wants to join.

Benefits of IB Preschool and Kindergarten Over Traditional Early Childhood Programs

Choosing the IB® path versus the conventional model opens the door to a range of possibilities that traditional early childhood programs simply cannot match. Where conventional preschools often focus on memorization and uniformity, IB classrooms cultivate thinkers, communicators, and globally aware citizens from the very first day. When schools use this model, they create active members of society who contribute to our workforce and lead productive, fulfilling lives.

1. A Love For Learning

Education can be just as engaging and interesting as it is informative. Through instilling independent thinking and individuality, the IB® program allows children the freedom to love learning. The approach will enable students to find their respective paths and absorb complicated topics in a controlled and easy manner. The result is a positive attitude toward education and the stimulation of all areas of development.

2. Advanced Critical Thinking Skills

IB® highlights the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills from an early age. The inquiry-based learning style pushes the potential of the brain to analyze and retain information, ask meaningful questions, and master logical reasoning abilities.

3. Cultural Awareness and Global Understanding

John Nicholls of the Bilingual European School in Italy states, “The beauty of the IB® is that it’s a global education community. All schools around the world face the same challenges, enjoy the same benefits, and can connect with one another.” This represents the IB®’s core value, global-mindedness, which realizes the interconnectedness of people within all cultures. The program implements the exploration of different cultures, languages, and perspectives and fosters empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for diversity in every classroom.

4. Strong Social and Emotional Skills

Social and emotional intelligence are two sides of the same coin that contribute to developmental success. Preschool and kindergarten learners participate in collaborative activities, use communication tactics, and build positive and fulfilling relationships with their teachers and peers.

How IB® is Implemented in Preschool and Kindergarten Classrooms

1. Teachers Become Facilitators

With an IB® state of mind, teachers lead in facilitating the classroom. They guide preschoolers and kindergarteners through their unique learning experiences, pose lucrative opportunities and questions, and create an inclusive, supportive environment that encourages experimentation and discovery.

2. Children Choose Their Paths

Young IB® students take ownership of their self-discovery and learning transformation with their school’s guidance. Teachers can facilitate learning by equipping children with the right resources and advice that appeal to their interests and concerns.

3. Play-Based Environments

Preschoolers and kindergartners can learn and memorize concepts while developing social and motor skills by experiencing crafts, fun learning activities, and sing-along lessons. Art and gym classes are excellent environments to express creativity and boost physical activity in fun and meaningful ways. Students also deserve a break to unwind and recollect themselves during the school day, like lunch and recess.

4. Collaborative Learning

IB® classrooms need to focus not only on the individual but also on the collective group. Likewise, a child can only properly metamorphose if participating with other students during learning activities. This can include team exercises like group storytelling, obstacle courses, and building block games.

5. Alternative Testing

Moving beyond the norm of traditional assessment, IB® classrooms focus on authentic ways to evaluate children’s educational progress. Observation, milestone tracking, and portfolios are all stellar ways to give a detailed overview of the child’s growth, achievements, strengths, and areas of improvement.

Why Strelitz International Academy Follows the IB Approach

Strelitz International Academy (SIA) chose the International Baccalaureate path because it aligns seamlessly with our deepest commitments — to the whole child, to lifelong curiosity, and to a community rooted in Jewish values and global responsibility. As a Jewish IB® elementary school with a strong early childhood program, we offer an experience that only few schools in Virginia Beach or the wider Hampton Roads region can match — one where rigorous inquiry, cultural identity, and compassion grow side by side.

Our vision is centered on educating the whole child. Our mission is performed through our dynamic Jewish environment, where we enrich children’s lives and develop compassionate, lifelong learners. The IB framework gives us a structured, internationally respected way to honor that mission every single day — through units of inquiry that weave together Jewish heritage, secular academics, and global perspectives. By collaborating with families and the greater community, we promote a social and global consciousness that encompasses a profound respect for all humanity.

The IB® program allows children to forge their own learning paths and find the skills and confidence they need to make a global difference. From the IB®’s own words, it “empowers teachers as the architects of learning excellence, working alongside engaged colleagues in a rewarding career supported by a strong global network. And it brings schools a strong reputation for successful outcomes that uplift the whole community.” At Strelitz, that promise is realized in classrooms full of children who feel seen, challenged, and inspired to lead.

Together, we can create a rich and fulfilling learning environment for our kindergartners and preschoolers. Schedule a visit with us to see how we implement it.

Frequently Asked Questions

The first day of kindergarten is a major milestone for young students and their parents. You might feel a little anxious as the big day approaches, and unsure if your little one is ready. What skills should your child have before making the leap to kindergarten?

Whether your child will be attending a public or private kindergarten (like Strelitz International Academy’s Early Years Program in Virginia Beach, VA), there are skills that, if mastered before school starts, will make the transition to kindergarten life much smoother.

Read on to learn some of the academic (and non-academic) activities your child should know before entering kindergarten.

Social/Emotional

– Separates from parents or caregivers easily.
– Adapts to new situations with relative ease.
– Sits quietly without interrupting.
– Expresses basic needs.
– Can play independently with other kids
– Works cooperatively and shares during playtime.
– Exhibits personal-care independence (i.e. using a tissue, washing hands, drinking from a water fountain).
– Knows when to say please, thank you, and excuse me.

Language & Reading

– Knows first and last name and can recognize the first name in print.
– Knows at least one parent’s first and last name, and can repeat home address, birthday, and an emergency phone number.
– Recognizes some or all alphabet letters, both uppercase and lowercase (doesn’t have to be in order), and can identify some letter sounds.
– Can say or sing the alphabet.
– Knows when two words rhyme.
– Recognizes familiar words and symbols, like stop signs.
– Pretends to read books.
– Offers input when being read to, and can tell personal stories.

Mathematics

– Recognizes and can say numbers 1-10 (not necessarily in order).
– Counts up to five objects.
– Arranges numbers in order from 1 to 5
– Identifies at least three shapes ( circle, square, triangle).
– Arrange objects in size order.

Reasoning

– Understands (and follows) directions with more than one step.
– Plays simple memory matching games.
– Classifies objects by physical features (i.e., color, shape, and size).
– Grasps the concepts of in/out, front/back, on/off, big/little, and up/down.
– Completes simple puzzles (up to four pieces).
– Identifies up to five colors.
– Understands the concept of cause and effect.
– Draws pictures to express ideas.

Physical Skills

– Holds a book and turns the pages.
– Builds with blocks.
– Opens lunch containers.
– Tries to tie their own shoes.
– Puts on and takes off a backpack.
– Uses buttons and zippers.
– Pour liquids without spilling.
– Uses pens, pencils, and art supplies with some control.
– Demonstrates gross motor skills like jumping, running, and/or bouncing a ball.

This list might seem overwhelming, but don’t worry! It’s totally normal for children not to have mastered every single skill before kindergarten. Plus, there’s a lot you can do to help them get up to speed.

Some Ways to Help Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten

As mentioned above, your child might not master certain skills on the list until kindergarten – and you’ll be amazed at how much material teachers cover in a single year. But there are activities you can do with your preschooler to help prepare for kindergarten. Start by picking a few items on the checklist to try during playtime, and make a note of any that need more practice.

1. Encourage Independence at Home.

It may be faster to pitch in and help, but let your child dress himself, use the toilet, wash his hands, put on and take off his coat, and put on and remove his own shoes.

Your child should know how to blow her nose and cough into her arm without assistance. But of course, always make sure she’s comfortable asking an adult for help when the going gets tough.

2. Teach Responsibility.

You may already be doing this, but give your child some jobs to do, like making the bed, putting away toys, or filling water bottles before a family hike. Having responsibilities will make your preschooler feel empowered, and sets the stage for what will be expected in kindergarten.

3. Stick to Routines.

This is critical since the typical kindergarten day is tightly regimented. Begin waking up at the same time every morning, getting dressed, and loading a backpack well before school starts in the fall to make the transition seamless.

4. Read Aloud.

Take your child to the library. Checking out books is a surefire way to spark an interest in reading. Read together every day, and read anything you see together, like billboards and signs. Knowing how to rhyme is extremely important when learning to read, so try checking out some nursery rhymes and Dr. Seuss’s books.

Lastly, prepare your child emotionally for this big change by talking about it frequently during the summer months.

Are You Looking into Private Kindergarten Schools in Virginia Beach?

Strelitz International Academy is a top private school in the Hampton Roads area of southeastern Virginia. We’ve developed a unique IB® Primary Years Programme (PYP) designed for 3- to 12-year-old elementary school students. We believe children thrive in smaller classes following a creative curriculum. We’re very proud of our experienced and compassionate teachers, staff, and administrators, all of whom hope to instill a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Please contact us to schedule a tour and learn more about our programs. We’re eager to share what we offer! To find out more, call us at 757-424-4327.