Welcome to Sumner Academy
A Joyful Start to Your Child's Learning Journey
At Sumner Academy, our youngest learners are known, supported, and encouraged to explore, grow, and build confidence every day.
Start Your JourneyEarly Learning
A Place Where Your Child Feels at Home
Sumner Academy's Early Learning (PK - K) programs are the entry points into a continuous PK - 8 experience, where students are known, supported, and transition seamlessly into our Lower School.
Our program focuses on the whole-child, blending academics, character development, creativity, and related arts into each day. It builds an early foundation for a full academic journey while preserving the importance of play.
Teachers build strong relationships with each child—creating a safe, supportive environment where students feel comfortable trying new things, asking questions, and growing at their own pace.
These are the first years of a long term, intentionally designed educational journey.
We were very intentional about finding the right school for our family, and ultimately chose Sumner Academy because it checked all the boxes. Sumner Academy has the most developmentally appropriate approach to learning that we found, truly letting kids be kids and grow at their own pace. The small class sizes and focus on collaboration and social-emotional development has created a close-knit community where every child truly is known, supported, and valued. Perhaps the most important point of all is the strong emphasis on critical thinking and active, engaged, learning—things like asking questions, respecting and developing new opinions, and getting up to move and explore with their peers in a way that makes learning fun and engaging. Our children have grown and thrived within this community and we are grateful for it!
In the classroom
Building the Foundations for Life-Long Learning
At Sumner Academy, our PK–K students build strong academic and personal foundations through a balanced and engaging program.
- Students develop early reading, writing, and number sense while also being introduced to logical thinking and problem-solving in age-appropriate ways.
- Through hands-on activities and guided exploration, they begin to recognize patterns, make connections, and explain their thinking.
- Students also participate in a full range of related arts, including library, physical education, art, music, and computer—giving them opportunities to explore new interests and develop confidence in different settings.
- Science and social studies are explored through inquiry, observation, and discussion, helping students better understand the world around them.
These experiences build early confidence in communication as students begin sharing their ideas with others.
With teachers and peers
Known, Supported, and Part of a Community
With small class sizes, our teachers are able to truly understand each child’s strengths, needs, and personality—providing the right balance of support and challenge so every student can feel confident and successful.
- They build meaningful relationships with their students, creating an environment where children feel seen, heard, and valued.
- Students begin forming lasting relationships with their peers, learning how to collaborate, share, and grow together.
Strong partnerships with families ensure open communication and a shared commitment to every child’s success.
Beyond the classroom
Learning Through Experience
Learning at Sumner Academy extends well beyond the classroom. Students explore, create, and stay active through experiences that connect their learning to the world around them.
- Field studies and field trips give students opportunities to explore nature, visit local community spaces, and engage in meaningful, real-world experiences that deepen understanding and spark curiosity.
- On campus, students take advantage of spaces like our butterfly garden, walking paths, outdoor classroom, and the IDEA HUB—where they can move, explore, build, and create in ways that feel both engaging and purposeful.
Students also have opportunities to stay active and try new things.
Even at the Early Learning level, Kindergarten students can participate in programs like Running Club (cross country), Cheer, and Little Kickers (soccer), helping them build confidence, coordination, and a sense of belonging.
Early Learners
Take the First Step
By the end of Kindergarten, students go to first grade with a strong academic and social foundation—prepared to transition confidently into Lower School.