The Magic of Kindergarten at St. Matthew’s

Kindergarten at St. Matthew’s is where wonder meets lifelong confidence. Our hands-on curriculum empowers these young learners to find their voice, build meaningful connections, and lead from day one. Marking the transition from Early Childhood into Lower School, Kindergarten is where students enter a vibrant, nurturing environment rooted in inquiry and wonder. 

Now back on our 30-acre Pacific Palisades campus, we continue our deep commitment to social-emotional development and mentorship that is at the heart of the Kindergarten experience, offering several signature programs that foster leadership and connection.

8th Grade Buddy Program: One of our school’s most cherished traditions pairs each Kindergarten student with an 8th grade buddy. Throughout the year, these older students offer mentorship, friendship, and encouragement, providing our Kindergarteners with visible role models across campus and a deep sense of belonging.

Mystery Reader Program: Each week, parents or special guests visit the classroom dressed in fun costumes and read a favorite story to the students. This engaging tradition encourages meaningful family participation in the classroom, inspires a love of reading, and creates joyful, lasting memories around literacy.

Weekly Chapel Announcements: Confident expression begins early at St. Matthew’s. Taking turns at the podium during Kindergarten–8th Grade Chapel, students deliver weekly announcements, cultivating composure, clear articulation, and the courage to address the whole school community.

Inquiry and wonder are the foundation of St. Matthew’s Lower School program, and our curriculum challenges students to grow academically, creatively, and as members of a community. As part of this journey, the Kindergarten Friendship Play gives every student a speaking role in an annual class performance. It provides an inclusive platform to build public speaking skills, creative expression, and self-assurance on stage in front of supportive peers and families.

Science comes alive through tactile, experiential learning in the Chicks Program. Kindergarten students observe the fascinating process of egg incubation firsthand, tracking development until the eggs hatch. Beyond learning key life science concepts, students gain practical lessons in responsibility and empathy as they learn how to carefully tend to and nurture the newly hatched chicks. Adding to this tradition, St. Matthew’s is now home to two resident hens, Goldilocks and Dolly. Caring for them directly aligns with the School’s Character Covenant, five core values woven throughout a St. Matthew’s education. “It teaches children respect for our food sources, responsibility for caring for our school pets, and empathy for our animal friends. It also provides fresh eggs we can use in cooking activities or share with others,” says Dr. Maya Kelly, St. Matthew’s Lower School Principal.

St. Matthew’s further deepens campus connectivity through the Nest Program. Each Kindergarten student is drafted into a multigrade family group of peers and adults that stays together through to their 8th grade graduation. “Nesties” meet regularly throughout the year to share Chapel, eat lunch, and play games, ensuring every child feels known and valued across the entire school.

From Age 2 to 8th grade, St. Matthew’s celebrates childhood, empowering each student to challenge their mind, grow in character and lead with courage. 

Ready to give your child an extraordinary start? Apply today and join the St. Matthew’s family! Applications for the 2027–28 academic year are now open with bus transportation options from Brentwood, Santa Monica, and Pacific Palisades. Families interested in learning more are invited to schedule a tour or visit stmatthewsschool.com.