Walk into the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms and you will discover a truly magical environment brimming with creativity, exploration, and project-based learning. Experienced teachers provide a nurturing environment for our youngest learners in the Primary Division, ages 3-6. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in early reading, writing, and mathematics. Children benefit from individual and group instruction and within a small classroom setting are able to advance at their own pace.
For all students, OVS seeks to instill a love of learning and an intellectual curiosity for the broader world and our environment. This is perhaps most evident in the primary classrooms, which transform into colorful Arctic marine sanctuaries and African savannas as students explore thematic units that blend science, technology, drama, art, and literature. They also enjoy weekly classes in Spanish, woodshop, art, music, equestrian, Makers Space, and physical education. They take their first Outdoor Education hiking trip to Ojai Meadows Preserve in Pre-Kindergarten and venture to the Sespe Wilderness for a hike at Rose Valley Falls in Kindergarten. Beyond the academics, children in the primary program learn cooperation, teamwork, and patience, as well as respect for others, themselves and the environment.