PK-SK

Primary School in Miami

General Philosophy

Gulliver Prep’s Primary School (PK–SK) gives children a nurturing start in a private preschool and kindergarten program in Miami. We create an engaging environment where young learners explore thoughtfully, learn by doing, and grow with curiosity and confidence each day. Our program blends social-emotional learning, future-ready foundations, and core academic skills so every child feels known, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Social Emotional Learning

Responsive Classroom®

Grounded in Responsive Classroom®, students begin each morning with greetings, sharing, and a collaborative activity that builds community, establishes a positive tone, and helps them feel confident and ready to learn.
RC is a nationally recognized, evidence-based approach to teaching that focuses on engaging academics, positive community, effective management, and developmental awareness. This positive approach models the behaviors we want students to exhibit in school in a guided, structured, and supportive environment.
Consistent, supportive conversations help students gain confidence, take risks, and share ideas within their classroom community.
Guided by their teacher, students learn to problem-solve, build resilience, and develop strategies that prepare them for future success.

Second Step® Program

To support students in navigating their feelings and relationships, Gulliver Prep adopted the Second Step® Program. This program proactively and explicitly teaches skills to students so they are equipped with the language to identify the feeling, the language to talk about the situation, and strategies to support a positive resolution and lasting growth.

In addition, students learn mindfulness techniques, such as belly breathing, to calm themselves down when a challenge arises. Families are made aware of these techniques through parent communication, which is provided by Second Step and shared through the classroom portal or communication folders.

Academics

Foundational Academic Skills

Teachers use a research-based approach that supports every child’s intellectual and personal growth through project-based learning. In-depth investigations across science and social studies integrate literacy and math concepts, encouraging children to expand their thinking, build confidence, solve problems, and make meaningful connections that cultivate curiosity and a lifelong love of learning in preschool and kindergarten.

Creating a Classroom Community
Early Literacy (PK and JK)
Early Numeracy (PK and JK)
Language Arts
Handwriting Without Tears
Math Workshop (SK)

Creative Curriculum®

Creative Curriculum® ignites children’s natural curiosity and transforms everyday moments into opportunities to think, create, and grow. This comprehensive program, used in PK and JK, invites students to explore big ideas through hands-on, project-based learning, while teachers guide them to build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills that lay the foundation for future success.

Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom®

The Marian C. Krutulis PK-8 Campus has a certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom®: a dynamic, nature-based play and learning space. Nature Explore Outdoor Classrooms® apply research-based, field-tested design principles to create nature-rich outdoor spaces, where learning can’t help but thrive.

KOMPAN® Playgrounds

Our KOMPAN® intelligent design playgrounds are carefully developed from the perspective of the child, adhering to three core pillars: health, learning, and environment. The equipment focuses on safe, student-centered play, helping students to actively and constructively navigate real-life experiences. For Gulliver Prep students, anything is possible on the playground.

Approach to Technology

While we believe technology plays an important role in the life of students, we teach skills to use technology and how to use it as a resource for learning and communication. iPads are integrated into the curriculum to support learning, as well as weekly computer classes in SK.

The Primary School Experience Includes:

Creative Curriculum®, featuring exploration and discovery as a way of learning
Nature Explore Outdoor Classrooms®, outdoor spaces where learning thrives
Discovery Lab experience for early coding and programming in technology
A focus on social-emotional development
Seasonal concerts and grade-level Celebrations of Learning ceremonies
An introduction to the Spanish language