Students who choose to study PreK to Grade 5 are passionate about the foundations of education and motivated to give young children a solid foundation on which they can build upon for the rest of their lives.
The PreK-5 program at the University of Dayton is recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality, earning an A+ rating in elementary mathematics and the science of reading. Our program is the only one in the state of Ohio (and only one of 10 across the country!) to earn top marks in both categories. We are also Accredited Plus by the International Dyslexia Association.
Ohio is revising their grade band structure, so UD is in the process of updating our programs to align with these revisions. While the program is still called PreK to Grade 5, students will be prepared to teach from preschool through eighth grade.
Classroom observation and field experience begin during year one and continue during years two and three. During year four, you'll participate in student teaching. This full-time teaching experience includes supervision and evaluation to assist you in your continued growth and development as an educator.
By the time you graduate, you'll have 800+ hours of experience in local schools — double the State of Ohio's minimum requirement.
The Bombeck Family Learning Center serves as a demonstration school for pre-kindergarten to grade 5 majors. Second-year students actively participate in the classrooms at this gold-star rated facility during their year-long field practicum, learning best practices as they prepare to become teachers.
Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about pre-k to grade 5 education at UD.
