Process vs. Product. Our approach to art is process-driven, with emphasis placed on our students’ experience and not the finished product. Children have the opportunity to explore many different art mediums, from painting and drawing to collage and cooperative works. A variety of materials are made available each day, including finger-paint, watercolor, tempera, and clay. We also offer open-ended materials and loose parts - from feathers to pine cones, cardboard to recyclables - everything is fair game for the children’s artistic interpretation. Creative expression through music and movement is incorporated daily, as well as monthly Music and Yoga enrichment.

Research proves a strong link between play and brain development. Play is essential to learning, as well as physical and social development. Children are intrinsically motivated by play, and thrive in classroom environments where play is guided by early childhood educators. When engrossed in fun activities, children exhibit focused concentration, flexible thinking, and creative problem solving. Unstructured, outdoor play unleashes imagination as the children together create new games and rules of play, and learn the art of conflict resolution. Play is at the heart of what we do and a vital and invaluable facet of our program.

Language development is fundamental to learning. Beginning with our Two’s classes, we encourage children’s self-expression and self-advocacy. We also emphasize literacy in all of our programs, and maintain a dedicated Library. Through the use of books, dramatic play, and rhyming and phonics games, our students are prepared for more complex language and literacy skills necessary to becoming confident and capable readers, writers and communicators. Our students also receive monthly Spanish enrichment, and have the opportunity to attend weekly classes with games, songs and age-appropriate activities.

Everyday exploration and outdoor discoveries play to children’s innate wonder and curiosity. Our dedicated outdoor learning spaces are an extension of the classroom and allow for experiences that encourage observation and experimentation. Whether it be harvesting the gardens in the fall, building a snow fort, or examining the life cycle of a butterfly in the spring, these lessons help build a foundation for science, math and engineering and an appreciation for nature. The playgrounds are visited daily for outdoor play, which not only supports children’s physical development and health, but also allows them to grow socially and emotionally.

Our Science curriculum is regularly presented to each class. This program encourages children's natural inclination to ask "Why?" and allows children to explore the natural world through inquiry and active investigation. The children are exposed to scientific principles and vocabulary, and may conduct developmentally-appropriate experiments and document their observations through complementary art projects.

Masterpiece Arts is regularly presented in each Four’s and Five’s classroom to bring the works of the great masters of art and music alive. Children are exposed to musicians and artists, and examine their well-known works. Projects and activities inspired by the masters provide an opportunity for the children to explore different styles and mediums (like the Kandisky-inspired “masterpieces” created by our Five’s students shown above), resulting in a truly memorable experience. This unique curriculum encourages creative expression, and allows children to develop an appreciation of the fine arts.