Curriculum That Shapes a Lifetime of Learning
Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan (HVAM) makes learning fun with engaging kindergarten prep and kindergarten curriculum that introduces students to core subjects through interactive, play-based activities.
HVAM kindergarten prep and kindergarten students take courses in the subjects listed below.
ENGLISH / LANGUAGE ARTS
MATH
SCIENCE
HISTORY
ART
Kindergarten Prep Approach
Our K Prep curriculum is designed to prepare your child for kindergarten while nurturing their social skills through hands-on learning and play. Our approach leverages innovative technology to create a supportive learning environment that emphasizes literacy and joyful exploration. Start your child’s educational journey with us, where every day is filled with growth, discovery, and excitement.
Early Learners: We also offer a half-day program designed to give younger children an early start on their educational journey or nurture students who need extra support before kindergarten. This mostly asynchronous, flexible option utilizes the same engaging curriculum as our K Prep program. Our Early Learners program aims to ignite your child’s joy of learning—a joy that will flourish with each passing academic year.
Kindergarten Prep
Curriculum
Embark is an engaging kindergarten prep curriculum created by a team of developmental psychologists and academics. It includes high-quality online and offline learning experiences and provides exposure to core subjects. Courses are highly interactive, with audio and visuals to help children follow along, and can be taken at a pace that suits each child’s learning.
Kindergarten Curriculum
Our curriculum is rooted in the principles of how children learn, while the online school platform harnesses the power of 21st-century technology to make learning come alive. All courses are designed to help spark your child’s joy of learning—a joy that’s sure to grow with each academic year.
What does the online kindergarten experience look like?
Our online platform is designed to deliver engaging classes, support students, and keep things organized for parents. Young learners can access tools to help them become stronger readers, build skills through games, and recharge with their learning companion, Strider the Fox. Watch the demo video to see how it works.
What are the differences between early learners, kindergarten prep, and kindergarten?
This chart shows the differences you can expect between these three similar programs so you can determine which is the right fit for your child.
| Tradicional Kindergarten | Transitional Kindergarten (TK) | 4-Year-Old Program | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment Age | Any student 5 by September 1 *Students with birthdays up to Dec. 1 are still eligible for traditional K with a waiver. | Students with birthdays April 1–December 1 and will be 5 years old by Dec. 1. | Student must be 4 years old by September 1 |
| Kindergarten Waiver Needed? | Any student with a birthday between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1 requires a waiver. | Any student with a birthday between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1 requires a waiver. | No |
| Length of Program | 1 Year | 2 Years (TK then K) Students may go from TK to 1st grade if appropriate based on development. This is a parent/HVAM decision. | Student attends class daily for 60 – 90 minutes. |
| Parent Opt-in/Request Required? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Curriculum | Stride–K12 Traditional Online materials | Stride–K12 Embark Curriculum | Stride K12 Embark Curriculum |
| Focus of Studies | Academically driven at a faster pace. Students learn reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. | Focused on play-based learning with social development along with developing fine and gross motor skills. | This program focuses on social/emotional learning as well as fundamental concepts to prepare your child for kindergarten. |
| Benefit of Participation | Kindergarten is not a requirement in Michigan but helps to build foundational skills in core areas of study. | Students receive an extra year of social, emotional, and academic growth prior to more rigorous content. Young 5-year-old students often emerge as leaders in traditional kindergarten with the strong foundation gained in TK. | This program develops social and emotional skills through flexible and individualized learning designed to set students up for success in kindergarten and beyond. |
How do I know if my student is ready for kindergarten?
Knowing when your child is ready for kindergarten involves weighing social skills and what they’ve already learned. To help gauge your child’s academic readiness, take a look at the following list. Can your student perform most of these skills?
If you responded no to five or more, kindergarten prep may be the right option for your student.
Can your child:
Name and recognize 5 colors?
Name and recognize 10 letters?
Recognize their name in print?
Write most or all letters in their first name?
Follow 2-step instructions?
Identify numbers from 1–10?
Count and order objects from 1–10?
Draw a line and closed circle?
Use scissors and pencils or crayons with control?
Order 3 things in a sequence or repeat a simple pattern?
Finally
Did your student attend preschool?
Meet Demonty
Demonty is a kindergarten student building his confidence and growing academically through online school. His mom, Janell, wanted an option that would allow her to be more involved and provide extra support to keep him on track. Demonty loves to explore outside, read books, and make friends while playing sports.
Explore Our Course
*The K12 course descriptions are a complete list of the courses that K12 provides. While HVAM offers a comprehensive selection of courses, not every K12 course is available to HVAM students. Information on specific courses is provided upon enrollment. For details, please ask your enrollment consultant during the enrollment process.