The Beginning School serves children who are able to benefit from a full–day group experience but are not yet ready for first grade. Children spend one or two years in the Beginning School, enjoying a program that is both self–contained and integrated with the rest of the school. Beginning School children participate in weekly Settling In and take part in selected all–school curricular activities and festivities.

In the Beginning School, young children are encouraged to be explorers, to gain a sense of themselves as independent people, and to pursue activities of their own choosing within the classroom setting. Under the guidance of caring teachers, the children develop trust in adults other than their parents. As they engage with classmates, they become more aware of their own ideas and feelings and learn to recognize and respect the ideas, feelings, and needs of others. Through the Beginning School program children receive an introduction to the Princeton Friends environment, becoming familiar with school routines, developing a sense of caring for their classmates, and learning about their responsibility to the larger community.

The Beginning School curriculum incorporates whole language and phonics approaches to reading readiness and a hands–on introduction to mathematical concepts and patterns. Children spend time outdoors daily, exploring the woods surrounding the school property and enjoying the playground equipment. The children participate in weekly classes in vocal music, Spanish and Chinese language and culture, library, and art. The program also includes opportunities for independent artistic exploration, block–building, imaginative play, and cooking. At the end of each day the children rest on mats, either sleeping or spending time with their own thoughts, as they listen to music or story tapes.