Rise & Shine Kindergarten launches the Early to Excellence Program: Bridging the gap from early learning to school

Rise & Shine Kindergarten is proud to announce the launch of its Early to Excellence Program, an innovative initiative designed to bridge the gap between early childhood education and primary school through purposeful partnerships and shared learning experiences.

The program connects Rise & Shine Kindergarten centres with local schools across New South Wales and Queensland, creating strong feeder pathways helping children transition to school with confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.

Through collaborative programs including access to Rise & Shine’s industry-first Orbit, Centre of Imagination STEM hub, a mobile planetarium, the Orbit Mobile STEM Shuttle, and participation in school reading groups, excursions, and transition activities, the program builds strong connections with local schools while also giving primary school communities access to Rise & Shine’s premium STEM resources and experiences, enriching learning opportunities for students well beyond the early years.

The Early to Excellence Program also supports Rise & Shine’s existing Transition to School Program, a key part of the Shine Advantage Curriculum designed to prepare children emotionally, socially, and academically for their next stage of education.

Guided by Rise & Shine’s RISE Values, Rise Together, Innovate Education, Safety First, and Empower Connections, the Early to Excellence Program reflects Rise & Shine Kindergarten’s commitment to meaningful partnerships with schools that share similar values of collaboration, innovation, and community.

The Transition to School Program focuses on building school readiness through confidence, communication, problem-solving, and independence, values that perfectly align with the collaborative goals of the Early to Excellence initiative.

“We recognise the importance of fostering early connections and ensuring every child enters school confident, curious, and ready to learn,” said Jennifer Weston, Group Head of People & Culture at Rise & Shine Education. “Our Early to Excellence Program embodies our RISE Values and builds strong, respectful partnerships with schools that share our vision for innovation and lifelong learning.”

St Joan of Arc Catholic Primary School, Haberfield, Principal Amanda Gahan shared their support for the initiative:

“Our partnership so far has been an unforgettable journey through the stars, both educational and awe-inspiring!”

With its Early to Excellence Program, Rise & Shine Kindergarten continues to lead the way in early education innovation, empowering children with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to thrive as they take their next steps into formal schooling and beyond.