Young 5s vs. Kindergarten: What’s the Difference?

At National Heritage Academies (NHA^®), we believe every child deserves a strong start. Many NHA schools in Michigan and Wisconsin offer a Young 5s program (referred to as 4K in Wisconsin). Young 5s programs are designed to help children build confidence and essential skills before entering kindergarten. They serve as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten. It’s ideal for children who meet the age requirement for kindergarten but may benefit from extra time to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

“Young 5s gives students the space to grow without rushing them into early academic pressure,” said Megan Sopha, Curriculum Specialist at NHA. “The program is designed to build confidence and strong foundations that support long-term success.”

 

What Is Young 5s?

Young 5s is a full school-day program that helps children develop the skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Students learn in a structured, nurturing classroom that feels familiar, but moves at a pace designed for younger learners.

The focus is on helping children feel comfortable in a school setting while building readiness skills step by step. Many families think of Young 5s as a confidence-building year. Children learn how school works, how to learn with others, and how to feel proud of what they can do.

 

How Is Young 5s Different From Kindergarten?

"Kindergarten today is more academic and fast-paced than it used to be.", says Sopha, “Young 5s prioritizes foundational skills like early counting, language development, fine motor skills, and social-emotional growth. Those skills help children thrive once they reach kindergarten.” 

While many children thrive in kindergarten environment, others benefit from a year that allows them to grow at a steadier pace.

Young 5s typically offers:

• More time for hands-on learning and exploration
• Extra support with classroom routines and transitions
• More opportunities for play that build cooperation and communication
• Instruction designed for younger developmental stages

The Young 5s' program focuses on building early academic and social-emotional skills that help students feel confident and capable when they enter kindergarten. Kindergarten, by comparison, moves more quickly and emphasizes independence and academic stamina earlier in the year.

 

What Does a Young 5s Day Look Like?

A Young 5s classroom follows a schedule similar to kindergarten, with thoughtful adjustments to meet younger learners’ needs. The focus is balance with learning, play, and rest working together.

A typical day includes:

Structured Play
Students build social skills, practice communication, and learn how to work with peers through guided play.

Academic Learning Blocks
Short, engaging lessons introduce early literacy and math concepts using hands-on activities.

Rest or Quiet Time
Young learners are given time to recharge, reflect, and process what they’ve learned. This approach helps children stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

 

Is Young 5s Right for Your Child?

Young 5s may be a great fit if your child:

• Is age-eligible for kindergarten
• Is ready for school but still developing confidence or independence
• Would benefit from extra time to grow socially or emotionally

The goal is simple: help children enter kindergarten feeling capable, confident, and excited to learn. At NHA, we partner with families every step of the way. We believe strong beginnings matter, and that the right start can shape a child’s entire learning journey.

To learn more about Young 5s or enrollment options, reach out to your school’s admissions team. We’re always happy to help.