Providing joyous early learning for children ages 2-5 years.
Where Love of Learning Begins
Children learn about the world around them through active exploration and play. Each morning our day starts with all-school free play, where children learn from, and with, children both older and younger than themselves. With an awareness of individual strengths and interests, teachers develop curriculum to honor and explore each child's potential. Classrooms are designed to offer many opportunities for a child to learn at his or her own pace. Art, music, and children's literature are essential elements of our program. Concepts and skills are presented at appropriate developmental stages and then expanded upon through both structured activity and imaginative play. For additional information about each class, please see descriptions below.
Our school.
A Small School
We accommodate a maximum of 49 children at any given time. In addition to the classroom teachers listed below, we have a Float Teacher and a Music Specialist.
Hours
Each day begins at 8:30 am and ends at 1:00 pm, with the possibility of Early Arrival from 7:30 am, Extended Day until 3:30 pm, and Late Day until 5:30 pm.
The Acorns
The Acorn room is a warm and welcoming place, where teachers encourage first friendships with gentle guidance. Language development is enhanced through stories, songs and conversation with teachers and peers. Colors, letters, and numbers are introduced gradually through play. Books are read throughout the day, and each child keeps a journal of their early drawings. A climbing structure is ever-present in the classroom, and the Acorns play outside on the Spruce playground daily.
2.0 - 2.9 years
MWF or TTh
9 students, 3 teachers
The Willows
In the Willow room, lessons are planned along thematic units developed from the interests of the children. Children's knowledge is increased through hands-on projects, while fundamental pre-reading and pre-math concepts are integrated. Each child keeps a journal with drawings and the child's words carefully transcribed. Through play, active inquiry and teacher-initiated activities, children develop self-esteem while gaining important social, cognitive and physical skills.
2.10 - Young 3s
3, 4, or 5 days
16 students, 3 teachers
The Maples
The Maple curriculum introduces a broad range of topics with an emphasis on integrating pre-academic skills. Thematic units are developed from the children's ideas as well as from the teacher's goals. The Maples work both cooperatively and independently in their process of discovery; meeting becomes a time for listening, sharing and discovering more. Through guided inquiry, planned activities, and dramatic play, each child's sense of themselves as a good friend and competent learner develops.
Mid 3s - Early 4s
3, 4, or 5 days
12 students, 2 teachers
The Oaks
The Oak class introduces key concepts while prioritizing active learning. Journals are integral to each day, encouraging emerging literacy through transcribing the children's increasingly complex stories. Letter sound associations are reinforced through letter of the week, and simple equations are solved with hands on counters. In the Oak classroom, children have the opportunity to explore topics and themes in increasing depth as well as pursue their own areas of interest.
