Morning
Arrival, play, and connection
Children settle in through open-ended centers while teachers greet them, notice what they need, and help the group find a calm rhythm.
Ages 3–5
A calm, curious start to school
Young children learn through play, movement, stories, and relationships in a small, calm school where they are known by name from day one.
A real day
A steady rhythm with room to be little
The sequence stays familiar so children know what comes next. These three parts show the shape of the day without pretending every day follows a minute-by-minute script.
Midday
Stories, early skills, and making
Read-alouds, songs, counting, art, and simple investigations build language and number sense through things children can touch and talk about.
Afternoon
Sharing work and settling the day
Children share what they made, move outdoors, gather for quiet moments, and help clean up as they practice communication and independence.
The academics
How learning is taught before desks and worksheets
The method is the proof. Families should be able to see how the work actually happens, not just hear that it is personal.
Language
Stories, songs, lunch conversations, and retelling the day build vocabulary and confidence.
How it works
- Daily read-alouds and songs
- Teachers model calm conversation
- Children practice naming needs and ideas
Readiness
Children grow at different speeds. We make room for that.
A child may be ready for elaborate stories before they are ready to write letters. Another may need movement before group time works. The pace adjusts to the child.
When a child is ready to stretch
Teachers add language, early math, and more complex choices inside familiar play without rushing the rest of the group.
When a child needs more time
The routine stays predictable, the next step gets smaller, and teachers help the child rejoin when they are ready.
What families can expect
Teachers notice changes in effort, confidence, and understanding, then talk directly with families about what they are seeing and what comes next.
Meet the teachers
Teachers who know each student well
Isaac Anderson
Primary Assistant
I graduated from Iowa State University with degrees in Global Resource Systems and World Language and Cultures Spanish and a minor in Sustainable Development during Covid. With my plans for working internationally put on hold, I started at Main Street and found a true passion for working with young humans. My other passions include travelling and being in nature.
Read full bio
Kelly Donnelly
Early Childhood Teacher
My name is Mrs. Kelly Donnelly (Ms. Kelly), and I have the honor of teaching early childhood at Main Street School. I am originally a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native, and have a great passion for teaching and learning. I currently hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (English and History Minor) and recently attained my Master's Degree in Effective Teaching (Endorsement in Gifted and Talented K-12) from Drake University. I have had the opportunity to teach in a variety of amazing places over the past 30 years as an educator in Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, Iowa & Dublin, Ireland. Over the last 18 years, I have called Iowa home and have been very active in early childhood advocacy and education. I also enjoy spending time with my beautiful family, traveling, meeting new people, and learning about other cultures. My husband, Jason Donnelly, is a commercial photographer, and we have been blessed with four children and our fur baby Teddy.
Read full bioQuestions families ask
Questions about readiness and the school day
A closer look at the daily rhythm, the support a child may need, and preschool tuition.
What if my child still needs help with separation, toileting, or rest?
Tell us what your child manages independently and where they still need help. During a visit, teachers can explain the current routines and talk honestly about what support the program can provide before your family decides.
What does a typical day look like?
Children settle in through play and connection, then move through stories, songs, counting, art, simple investigations, outdoor movement, and time to share and clean up. The activities change, but the sequence stays familiar.
Can preschool families use an Iowa Students First ESA?
No. Iowa Students First ESAs are for K–12 students, so they do not apply to preschool. Contact the school office for current early childhood tuition and fees.
Come see the school for yourself
The best way to know whether Main Street School is right for your child is to visit, meet the teachers, and ask directly.