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Introducing KinderFirst, an Advanced Academic Entry Point

 
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The Browning School is proud to introduce KinderFirst, a new advanced academic entry point into our Lower School. Designed for a select group of older boys born between May 1 and October 31, 2020, KinderFirst replaces Kindergarten for those boys ready to master both Kindergarten and Grade 1 skills in a single year. This prepares them to advance directly into Grade 2 after having demonstrated appropriate readiness in their KinderFirst year. 

With small-group instruction, a rigorous curriculum, and individualized support, KinderFirst provides boys with a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, collaboration, and independence. The KinderFirst classroom will have one dedicated classroom teacher, who will be supported by a roster of specialists in science, chess, art, music, health and wellness, and physical education, as well as a school counselor. 

This program is particularly suited to students who demonstrate the intellectual growth and social-emotional readiness to thrive in an accelerated environment.

 
 

For boys born between May 1 and October 31, 2020

8:1 Student to Teacher Ratio

Kindergarten & 1st Grade in One School Year

Application deadline December 31

 
KinderFirst reflects Browning’s deep commitment to meeting each boy where he is and offering the right level of challenge at the right time. It is a thoughtful and exciting way to begin a Browning education.
— John Botti, Head of School
 

KinderFirst FAQs

 
  • Absolutely. Placement in KinderFirst is an option, not a requirement. We know every child’s educational journey is unique, and some families may prefer the traditional Kindergarten route even if their child qualifies for KinderFirst. Our Kindergarten program is highly personalized and designed to nurture growth at every level, so whichever path you choose, your child will be challenged and supported.

  • KinderFirst is an accelerated, year-long program tailored to prepare boys academically, socially, and emotionally for Grade 2. With a small class size, we can increase literacy and math instruction while still preserving time for specialty area classes such as music and art. Students also have opportunities to connect with Grade 1 peers—whether over lunch or in shared activities—making the eventual transition seamless. Our teachers bring proven, research-backed strategies to help boys thrive at an advanced pace while staying true to their developmental needs.

  • KinderFirst groups students in a narrower age range, creating a learning environment where all boys are ready to work at a faster pace. This focus allows for deeper engagement, targeted instruction, and a strong sense of camaraderie among classmates. Families will be confident knowing your sons are in a program intentionally designed for both academic advancement and healthy social-emotional growth, while our Kindergarten classes continue to thrive with peers closely matched in age and readiness.

  • We will enroll between 6 and 8 KinderFirst boys for the 2026-27 school year. 

  • Although KinderFirst boys will be in a small, dedicated classroom, they will participate in many parts of the day with the wider Lower School community — including lunch, recess, assemblies, and physical education. This ensures they form friendships across grades and feel fully part of the Browning community.

  • The KinderFirst classroom will have one dedicated classroom teacher, who will be supported by a roster of specialists, a school counselor, and an associate teacher for parts of the day.

  • We believe in a well-rounded experience for all students. KinderFirst students, like Kindergarten and Grade 1 boys, will have specialty classes, including science, PE, art, music, library, and chess, in addition to literacy and math-intensive instruction.

  • While our goal is to prepare all KinderFirst students for Grade 2, we recognize that each child develops at his own pace. KinderFirst students will be assessed before the March break to determine readiness for Grade 2. If we believe your child would benefit more from moving into Grade 1, we will have open, collaborative conversations with you. This decision would be made with your child’s best interests in mind, ensuring they are confident, capable, and excited about his next step.

  • Families opting for their child to be considered for KinderFirst will be notified on the ISAAGNY Kindergarten notification date, on February 5, 2026.

  • Yes. Because KinderFirst is designed with a low student–teacher ratio to ensure personalized attention, spaces are limited. We expect to keep a small waitlist and will notify families promptly if a spot becomes available.

 

challenging stereotypes

Boys’ schools exist to celebrate and affirm boys at every stage of their lives, and to help them understand the myriad ways that positive character and leadership are expressed. They help boys explore their full potential in academics, leadership, and character development.

Intentional & 

Research-Based

Good boys’ schools are intentional in their programs and research-based in their pedagogy. Innovation in its curriculum goes beyond what a boy learns to interrogate how he learns. At Browning, we use data to drive academic decisions that align with our mission, and collaborate with universities that are doing cutting-edge research on boys.

Supporting Growth and Identity

Boys’ schools are uniquely positioned to encourage boys to grow with confidence, character, and empathy. They offer a space where students can explore a wide range of interests and strengths while developing a strong sense of self and purpose. These schools guide boys in understanding how to navigate the expectations of the world around them while remaining true to who they are.