Urban Academy’s Junior Kindergarten program was inspired by the internationally-acclaimed Reggio Emilia approach – a teaching philosophy developed in Italy. The approach has received numerous international awards and is widely recognized as the best teaching environment for a child’s first out-of-home learning experience. It teaches young children to explore, question and discover in a stimulating environment. As a result, there is a significant focus on bringing the outside world in and learning through all that nature has to offer.

We provide a warm, safe and nurturing environment to cultivate our students’ social, emotional, physical and intellectual skills. Our program creates a foundation for your child’s lifelong skills as a global citizen, teaching them how to respect others, channel their natural curiosity, share and take responsibility, question and explore and use their environment to learn responsibly.

Urban Academy Junior Kindergarten Teachers are highly trained Reggio instructors and they provide parents with access to online notes and updates, enabling you to check in and see what your child is learning, creating and discussing each day.

The Urban Academy JK program is open to students who turn four by December 31st of the year in which they begin at Urban Academy. JK students take part in all school-wide activities, have primary grade reading buddies and truly integrate into the larger school. Staff to student ratio in the JK program is set at a maximum of 1:8. The program is a five day a week, full-day program running from 9am – 3pm. Selection of days for part-time students is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications for Junior Kindergarten 2023-2024 are now closed and the class has been placed. Applications for the 2024-2025 School year opened September 1, 2023, with an application deadline of February 15, 2024. We typically recommend beginning the enrollment process one year prior to when you would like your child to begin at Urban Academy. If you are interested in learning more about Urban Academy and our Junior Kindergarten program, please register for an Admissions Information Evening this fall or review one of our pre-recorded webinars available on our ‘visit us’ page.

Emergent Curriculum

Students pursue their interests and passions while being introduced to concepts along the way. This allows students to follow their natural interests and remain excited about their studies, developing a positive relationship with learning.

Concept Introduction

Students are introduced to curricular concepts including math, language arts, science and the arts so that they can explore their interests and be well prepared for Kindergarten.

Student Mentorship

“Buddies” from older grades connect with young students to build school-wide relationships and learn to develop positive friendships. These relationships help both buddies with confidence and interpersonal skills.

Cultural Cooking Classes

Monthly cooking sessions allow students to learn about a variety of cultures through food. Parents and grandparents are invited in to prepare food with the students to help them develop an appreciation of different cultures.

Weekly French, Music and Drama

Exposing students to a variety of subjects while they are young helps them develop an appreciation for the arts, language expands their skills. Through music and drama performances, they also develop confidence that leads to public speaking and presentation skills.

Routine-Based Learning

While K-12 is on a schedule, the JK day is routine based. The class follows a routine which allows children to thrive, allowing a balance of structure and flexibility.

Quiet Time

After lunch, children need time to recharge and reset. Quiet time allows students some much needed down time to reenergize for the rest of the day and get ready to take on the afternoon’s adventures.