Early Childhood Campus (Grades K–1)

A strong start in reading, writing, and math

TEP’s Early Childhood curriculum builds a powerful and coherent academic foundation through structured literacy, rich knowledge-building, and rigorous, engaging math instruction designed specifically for young learners. Instruction is intentionally sequenced to ensure students develop strong core skills while remaining excited, curious, and actively engaged in their learning each day.

In reading and writing, students master letter sounds, phonemic awareness, blending, and sentence reading in Kindergarten, building confidence as emerging readers and writers. In 1st grade, students deepen these skills by reading increasingly complex texts and progressing to crafting, revising, and editing personal narratives and other structured writing pieces. Through the Knowledge curriculum, students rapidly expand their vocabulary and understanding of the world, exploring topics ranging from weather patterns and plant life to ancient civilizations. These content-rich units support comprehension, critical thinking, and meaningful classroom discussions while helping students make connections across subjects.

In math, the Bridges in Mathematics program combines visual models, hands-on learning, and collaborative problem-solving with a strong emphasis on growth mindset and mathematical reasoning. Students are encouraged to explain their thinking, use multiple strategies, and develop confidence as problem solvers. Together, these instructional approaches ensure that from the earliest grades, students develop strong literacy, critical thinking, and quantitative skills that prepare them for long-term academic success.

Social-emotional growth and daily routines

The Early Childhood Campus provides a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment where young learners develop confidence, independence, and positive relationships with peers and adults. Students are supported in building self-awareness, empathy, and resilience as they learn how to navigate classroom routines and work collaboratively with others.

Daily routines, small-group instruction, and consistent classroom structures are intentionally designed to support social-emotional learning and create a sense of predictability and belonging. These practices help students feel known, supported, and valued, allowing them to build trust, regulate emotions, and arrive each day feeling secure, engaged, and ready to learn. Students participate in daily SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) lessons, and each cohort of students has a dedicated, experienced social worker to provide support and counseling as needed.

Whole-child learning

In addition to strong academics, students participate in daily Physical Education, Music, and enrichment experiences designed specifically for early learners and their developmental needs. These classes provide opportunities for movement, creative expression, and exploration, allowing students to learn in a variety of settings beyond the classroom.

Through Physical Education, students build coordination, strength, and teamwork skills, while Music and enrichment foster creativity, self-expression, and confidence. Together, these experiences support physical development, focus, and overall well-being, helping children establish healthy habits, discover new interests, and develop a lifelong love of learning from the very start.

How to apply to the Early Childhood Campus

Families apply through TEP’s online enrollment application, which is always accessible to all interested families. Families may also apply in-person at any of our TEP locations. The application process is designed to be straightforward and equitable, ensuring that every family has an opportunity to apply. TEP welcomes all students to our inclusive setting, including Multi-Lingual Learners and students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). 

For students entering Kindergarten, when applications exceed available seats, students are admitted through a random lottery process in accordance with New York City charter school guidelines. Once admitted in Kindergarten, students are guaranteed a seat in subsequent grades, allowing families to plan with confidence and providing continuity and stability throughout their child’s educational experience. 

For students entering grades other than Kindergarten (Grades 1 through 8), families may also apply through TEP’s online application. TEP continues to accept student applications on a rolling basis for all grades. If/when the number of applicants exceeds the number of available seats, admission is determined through a fair and transparent waitlist process.  

To learn more about TEP’s enrollment process, visit Apply to Enroll | The Equity Project Charter School (TEP) 

Why families choose TEP

TEP’s approach is built on a clear and intentional vision for public education—one that prioritizes investing deeply in the highest-quality teachers and creating the conditions for excellent instruction in every classroom. By supporting educators with strong professional development, collaboration, and resources, TEP ensures that teaching and learning remain at the center of the school experience.

At the same time, TEP is committed to building a sustainable school model that balances academic excellence with deliberate attention to developing each student as a whole. This thoughtful approach allows the organization to consistently deliver strong outcomes for students while continuously improving programs, systems, and supports that help every child thrive.