Paving the Path to Success: How GPS Helps Preschoolers Transition into Kindergarten

The journey into kindergarten marks a significant milestone in a child's life, a step into a world of new routines, friendships, and academic exploration. Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) understands the importance of preparing our youngest learners for this transition, not just academically but socially as well. This is the driving force behind our comprehensive preschool programs, designed to boost confidence in students while instilling curiosity so they can succeed as lifelong learners.

Pave the Path, which will take place starting March 31, provides a structured introduction for preschool students, easing their transition into kindergarten. Similar to the district's LevelUp and Next Level programs, which acclimate older students to junior high and high school, "Pave the Path" offers preschoolers an opportunity to become familiar with a kindergarten environment. This exposure helps them understand classroom structure and expectations, reducing the potential intimidation of entering a new educational stage.

During Pave the Path, over 800 preschool students across our district will take part in fun activities in their school’s Kindergarten classrooms as a special welcome to the next stage of their educational journey. For example, at Settler’s Point Elementary, Advantage preschoolers will take part in a Kindergarten class scavenger hunt and will join the Kindergarten class for recess and a snack. Kindergarten Prep students at Neely Traditional Academy will tour a kindergarten classroom, read a story, and complete an activity related to the story with a current kindergarten student. Advantage and Building Blocks preschoolers at Mesquite Elementary, along with Toybox students visiting from Gilbert High, will also read a story and make headbands.

Gilbert Public Schools offers a diverse range of preschool programs across our elementary campuses to meet the needs of our parents and families. Each preschool program is tailored to meet the unique needs of young learners and prepare them for kindergarten, providing a rich and engaging learning environment and fostering both academic and social-emotional growth.

Building Blocks 3s and 4s provide a community-based experience. immersing children aged 3, 4, and 5 in the elementary school environment, familiarizing them with school staff and campus culture. The curriculum is aligned with the Arizona Early Learning Standards and ensures a strong foundation for future academic success as students transition into kindergarten. 

Advantage focuses on developing critical thinking skills and social-emotional intelligence through guided play and thematic units that nurture curiosity and sustained attention. This inclusive program integrates typically developing peers and those with developmental delays, fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment. A variety of Kindergarten Prep programs are offered across the district, including a Traditional and Gifted option. These programs offer students safe and engaging opportunities for exploration and discovery, focusing on literacy and academic content. Designed for 4 and 5-year-olds, Kindergarten Prep prepares students to work one year ahead, meaning students work on both preschool and kindergarten curriculum.

In collaboration with the Early Childhood Education Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, Toybox offers a full preschool curriculum teaching all subjects each day, including language and literacy, STEM, social studies, art, music and PE. This unique program delivers a low staff-to-student ratio and is hosted by our High School campuses, allowing preschoolers to engage with high school students as the high schoolers learn about working in Early Childhood Education.

"Beyond academics, preschool helps students develop essential social skills. They learn empathy, compassion, and communication, skills that are vital for success in both their academic and personal lives. Learning to work collaboratively, share, and understand others' perspectives will help our students excel as they progress through their educational journey."

Gilbert Public Schools believes that high-quality preschool education nurtures warm relationships among children, teachers, and parents. By offering a range of preschool programs where young children learn social skills in a supportive environment surrounded by qualified staff, students are better equipped to succeed in later stages of their education and in life. Preschool registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. To learn more about the various GPS preschool programs, including information regarding eligibility and tuition, visit GilbertSchools.net/Our-Schools/Preschools.