Curriculum and Programs
The school offers a three-year curriculum, divided into two programs, that allows the child to refine academic, as well as social, skills and to develop relationships with younger and older peers. It is strongly recommended that a child enter the program at age three and finish with the kindergarten/extended day program. It has been observed that children who complete this three-year cycle seem to be “holistically” better prepared for the next phase of their education.
Preschool Core Program
Recognizing the importance of the preschool/kindergarten years, the half-day morning program offers a carefully prepared, yet dynamic environment that fosters the development of self-confidence, independence, concentration, and self-motivation. Children experience the excitement of learning through their engagement in activities of daily living, language, mathematics, science, geography, and the fine arts. They discover self-respect and respect for those around them, fostering a strong sense of community. The preschool program meets every day, Monday through Friday, from 8:20 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.
Extended Day/Kindergarten
The extended day program was developed to respond to the explosion of learning that occurs around the age of five or six. The class meets five days a week in addition to the morning preschool classes. Children in extended day classes are presented with advanced materials in all subject areas. They are encouraged to do more independent work and to form more cohesive social relations through shared work and experiences. The extended day classes are small, therefore allowing for special projects and field trips related to the unit of study. Acceptance in the class is by invitation when the staff feels a child would benefit from a longer work period and when a child shows the independence and self-direction necessary for this program. The extended day program meets every day, Monday through Friday, from 11:20 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (this program is coupled with the morning program to provide a full day of learning from 8:20 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.)