Early childhood at Avenues is full of joy, discovery, and exploration—and unfolds entirely in two languages. Our innovative early childhood program for nursery, pre-k and kindergarten students is based on language immersion in English, interdisciplinary studies, learning through play and our unique global humanities program—and is brought to life by a team of passionate, experienced and highly-qualified educators. We emphasize:
  • 1
    Setting students up for a bilingual future with language immersion in English
  • 2
    The acquisition of skills through play, exploration and specialty classes
  • 3
    World-focused, interdisciplinary study in the unique Avenues Discovery Course
Language Immersion in English

We don’t teach English; we teach in English

At Avenues, learning a second language is more than an academic pursuit; it is a daily practice that transforms the way students see and think about the world. From nursery to 5th grade, students spend 50% of their time learning in English and 50% learning in a second language: one day in English, one day in Mandarin, and so on. This way, students learn languages as tools of daily communication that will be useful for the rest of their lives.
Learning Through Play

The key to child development

Whether children are playing with wooden blocks or enjoying an age-appropriate game on an iPad, teachers act as guides, stimulating their natural curiosity and ensuring that they feel challenged but not frustrated. Tactile play develops fine and gross motor skills, physical play stimulates growth, and make-believe play accelerates social-emotional learning. Most importantly, play fosters a love of learning that young children will carry with them as they move upwards through school.
The Avenues Discovery Course

Fostering creativity, imagination and connections to the real-world

The Avenues Discovery Course is a rich, thematic, interdisciplinary curriculum combining the sciences, humanities and arts. In Kindergarten, the course focuses on the broad themes of self and community to foster self-awareness, a sense of belonging, and the burgeoning world-views of our youngest learners.
Interdisciplinary and Project-Based Learning

Transcending conventional categories for deeper learning and more expansive thinking

Interdisciplinary study combines knowledge from two or more academic disciplines into a single activity, while project-based learning allows students to learn from the process (as opposed to simply the outcome) of their work. In our Kindergarten program, students are presented with questions that require them to think and work across disciplines, and are challenged to complete creative projects that leave them feeling empowered and confident.
State-of-the-Art Facilities

A dedicated space for our youngest learners

The early childhood facility at our beautiful new Shenzhen campus has been purpose-built for language immersion and will provide safe and stimulating spaces for different kinds of learning and play. Highlights include a glass-walled “tree house” library built around a beautiful 100-year-old banyan tree, elevated walkways and outdoor living walls. An open-air science terrace and rooftop garden invite hands-on engagement with nature and provide an exciting venue for experiential learning.

Upcoming Events

Language Immersion in the ELC

A global curriculum for a world school

What do Avenues students learn? The Avenues World Elements table is our answer to that question. Designed by our research and development team, the Avenues World Elements is a global curricular system that defines the learning outcomes of Avenues students at all grade levels.

Admissions Process

We’re grateful for your interest and want you to have all the information you need to consider Avenues for your child. Click the links to navigate to the admissions section of the site, where you can find out more about the process, meet the admissions team, and begin an application.
Please note
  • Students entering the Nursery grade (N) must be at least three years old by August 31.
  • Students entering Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) must be at least four years old by August 31.
  • Students entering Kindergarten (K) must be at least five years old by August 31.
  • Students entering Grade 1 must be at least six years old by August 31.
  • Nursery—Pre-k
    8:15 Arrival and Free Play
    8:50 Morning Meeting
    9:05 Snack
    9:20 Special: WAM (Wellness and Movement), science, art, or library
    10:00 Literacy and Math
    10:30 Centers
    11:30 Reflection
    11:45 Lunch
    12:15 Rest
    1:00 World Course
    1:35 Outdoor Play
    2:10 Cooking and Snack
    2:40 Closing Circle
    2:45 Dismissal
  • Kindergarten
    8:15 Arrival
    8:30 Morning Meeting
    8:45 Reading Workshop
    9:45 Snack & Read Aloud
    10:00 Discovery Course
    11:00 Writing Workshop
    12:00 Lunch
    12:30 Math
    1:00 Outdoor Play
    1:45 Special: WAM, dance, science, art, music, or library
    2:30 Closing Circle
    2:45 Dismissal

About Avenues

Discover the people, places and values that make Avenues unique.

Admissions

Meet the admissions team and learn more about applying to Avenues

Careers

Find your future at Avenues: join the growing team that’s redefining K-12 education