Caps and gowns, alone, for preschoolers are so yesterday.
In metro Atlanta and a few cities across the nation, some early childhood programs are giving their students a chance to experience prom, senior week and senior class trips before they march across the stage to receive their “diplomas.”
The pomp and circumstance is part of a growing trend to introduce 4- to 6-year-olds to what they can expect as high school seniors. It’s part dropout prevention, praise and picture-perfect memories for parents.
“These kids are the ‘seniors’ of the school, it’s a milestone for them,” said Cathy Brown, services director at Crème de la Crème in Buckhead. “Most of them will be going to top-tier private schools and will be at the head of their classes. They are confident and ready for the next step.”
On Friday afternoon at the Buckhead school, the “seniors”, a group of energetic kindergartners met for a formal luncheon in the gym before getting down on the dance floor under a disco ball. The kids have been buzzing about prom for months, just like some of their older siblings. For Anvia Spann’s class it was the kick-off of a celebration that will end in a soul train line at graduation.
“I am going to wear my high heels with white pearls!” gushed Brienne Hingst, days before the dance.
Snellville mom Charlene Mathis didn’t get it at first. “Prom? For four-year-olds?” said Mathis of her first reaction to the invitation for her senior, who attends City of Hope Child Development Center in Norcross. “I had mixed emotions. You wonder if you are doing too much for them. But it is great socialization for the kids.”
Mathis took her daughter shopping to find the perfect prom dress. Madisyn wore a satiny floor-length white gown with a cropped jacket. “She likes to be a princess. Anytime she can dress up, we do it.”
Seniors at the City of Hope CDC preschool had a free prom last week in the cafeteria. A red carpet was rolled out for K-4 students whose names were each placed in fancy letters on stars. A deejay spun hits as kids clad in their best Easter suits, dresses and ball gowns squealed, played musical chairs and danced the Electric Slide. A professional photographer snapped prom portraits.
Parents did pay $110 in senior fees recently to give their K-4 seniors a proper graduation send-off. The fees covered the costs of caps and gowns, senior week activities, including a senior trip to the Georgia Aquarium, a diploma, trophies and a gift bag.
“I thought it was a good idea to introduce the children to what they can expect in the future,” said City of Hope preschool director Melissa Artola.
A kindergarten class at River Ridge Elementary in Evans, Ga., hosted prom complete with a three-tiered cake and bubble machines for about a decade before stopping the tradition recently. Schools in Arizona and Philadelphia still throw them as part of the "senior" experience.
Though the senior festivities may be the rage, experts with the National Association for the Education of Young Children, say there is no research to prove it actually helps kids graduate as true seniors.
“What you do at 4 is not likely to have an affect on a child 14 years later,” said Peter Pizzolongo of the NAEYC. “There are other ways to celebrate milestones that are more age appropriate like having a picnic.”
Nevertheless, Spann, a kindergarten teacher at Crème de la Crème said fussing over the end of preschool years stuck with her.
"Each level influenced the next," she said. "When I got to middle school, I wanted to get to high school and graduate. Even in college after I got my bachelor's I wanted my master's. Now, I can't wait to get my doctorate."
Karrington Duncan, 10, says her time as a “senior” at Ben Hill UMC Christian Academy in Atlanta inspired her to work hard in elementary school. This year, she will be a graduation speaker at Ben Hill. Her brother, Jourdan, 6, will be graduating. “It makes you feel like you are getting older.”
At Ben Hill, students are preparing for their senior trip to Callaway Gardens and finalizing plans for a senior class gift. The Class of 2009 donated playground equipment.
“All of the parents pretty much call their kids seniors,” said Ben Hill PTA vice president Tyrone Duncan. “I believe they will stick with their education because of the experience.”
