Early Childhood | Madison Country Day School

Early Childhood Education
Pre-K & Kindergarten

Welcome to the MCDS Early Childhood Program! At MCDS, every child is truly known for their unique qualities, interests, and feelings. Our experienced and dedicated teachers recognize each child’s developmental needs and build upon their strengths to foster academic, social, and emotional growth. Every moment is considered a “teaching” moment. Between caring and dedicated teachers, an unmatched curriculum, and parent support throughout these early years, our program is designed to set your child up with learning success for life.

MCDS is a proud member of the Association for Early Learning Leaders and we are dedicated to staying on the cutting edge of what is best for children and families.

I look forward to working with you and your children!

With Gratitude,

Megan Thornburgh
Head of Early Childhood Center & Director of Student Services

Join us for our upcoming events:

Open House

Little Hawk Play and Learn

Megan Thornburgh

Head of Early Childhood Education
Director of Student Services

BA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
MA, Edgewood College
EdD, National University

The Pre-K program truly embodies the spirit of the MCDS community. The kids connect, collaborate, and create in a fun and dynamic classroom setting. Bonds are formed and creativity flows from the very first days of school. The teachers do an amazing job helping the kids both learn and love to learn.”

MCDS Pre-K Parent

Pre-K

Pre-Kindergarten

In MCDS Pre-Kindergarten, curiosity is kindled and celebrated. Each child is truly known for his unique qualities, interests, and feelings. Our experienced and dedicated teachers recognize each child’s developmental needs and build upon their strengths to foster academic, social, and emotional growth. Every moment is considered a “teaching” moment: finding an unusual rock on a nature trail becomes an impromptu geology lesson and learning to share at recess leads to a new friendship.

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Kindergarten

Kindergarten sets the foundation for a lifetime of learning. At MCDS, there is a distinct focus on learning how to learn and developing critical and creative thinking skills. Kindergarteners embark on an exciting journey that ends with being able to read, write clear sentences, and problem solve on their own. At the same time, young students develop creativity in art, music, science, and daily free play. They explore world cultures and learn Spanish. They thrive from personalized attention from experienced, dedicated teachers and finish the year as engaged thinkers, ready to soar.

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OUR MISSION

Madison Country Day School is an independent, college-preparatory, Pre-K to Grade 12, International Baccalaureate World School whose mission is to:

Inspire each student to discover their extraordinary capacity to learn and thrive in an evolving world by cultivating a challenging environment and a supportive community.