Preschool

We focus on the ABC’s of early development: 

Academics - we foster a love of learning and reading in a child-driven, teacher-facilitated curriculum inspired by nature and a healthy, green, organic lifestyle. Our play-based Junior Kindergarten program shows children how fun and rewarding learning can be while preparing them for the social, emotional, academic and behavioral demands of Kindergarten.

Behavior - we believe that appropriate behavior and learning valuable social skills is a crucial part of a child’s education, and it is important to start early. Responsible behavior and good choices are modeled, recognized, and rewarded in ways that become intrinsically motivating and benefit children for the rest of their lives. 

Creativity- creativity is a very important measure of intelligence, and innovation is regarded as one of our society’s most coveted traits (think Google or Apple!) When a child learns to think creatively, it opens up a whole world of possibilities. Children learn best through creative play, and we encourage our children to pretend and use their imaginations without hinderance from adults.​ (This is a mindful departure from traditional Montessori philosophy which encourages children to use items only in specific ways/uses.)

The preschool years are full of excitement and wonder. Each day is full of important times of growth and development. Our creative programs are inspired by the Waldorf pedagogical theory, which considers that during the first years of life children learn best by being immersed in an environment they can learn from through unselfconscious imitation of practical activities and by encouraging free play. This free or fantasy play, in which children act out scenarios of their own creation, helps them to experience many aspects of life more deeply. The toys at our center are made of natural materials such as pine cones, wood, cotton, silk, shells, stones and other objects from nature (some of which the children themselves have collected) are used in play and to beautify the room. The classroom is intended to resemble a home, and generally teachers attempt to include as many simple and natural materials as possible. The tools and toys that are employed in a lesson plan's general activities are also usually sourced from simple, natural materials that are easily enhanced by a child's imagination. We play outside up to 5 hours a day as part of our outdoor program so that the children can connect with nature, the elements, and experience all levels of weather and learn to be comfortable with it all!

Our developmental philosophy is based on the principles of RIE, which emphasize the importance of letting children develop their own personal sense of physical ability and potential for their own bodies. We don't help children climb, balance, jump or slide- they do so when they feel that they are capable of this, and in this way, they develop a sense of body-confidence that is unparalleled.