Contrary to belief, activities in preschool that seem like play are actually carefully planned physical and mental exercises. This “play” is very hard work for children given the unfamiliar freedom to explore, experiment, and communicate. Children are given the opportunity to make decisions and mistakes without undue reprimand. At THE ACADEMY, we encourage individuality through acceptance, appropriate activity, stimulation, and direction. We also provide the freedom to develop and utilize imagination. Our environment assists each child in their self-development and enhancing his or her own growth.

The activities at THE ACADEMY are sequenced in a continuum of skills, in accordance with the developmental age of your child. A typical day will include activities that are energetic, and calm, all within short time periods to meet the attention spans of the children. Additionally, a portion of each day consists of child-selected, teacher-directed, and structured play activities. Children are grouped according to their social, emotional, physical, and intellectual readiness.

Three Year Old Program
Our half-day three year old program emphasizes socialization, language, listening and self-help skills. The program encourages each child’s natural curiosity. Shapes, colors, numbers, and letters are taught in meaningful themes and through play. Children learn independence and interpersonal skills in a happy, nurturing environment.

Pre-Kindergarten
This is often the child’s first introduction and start of preparation for school. Self-help skills and socialization are an important part of the pre-kindergarten program. Colors, shapes, visual discrimination, letter and sound recognition, and prerequisite skills in reading are all introduced in the pre-kindergarten. Children are allotted time in learning stations for dramatic play, blocks, building, the kitchen, language, and computers during which time numerous opportunities to interact with other children are present.

Enrichment Program for Kindergarten
Since children will attend the public school for only half a day, we plan an enrichment program for kindergarten children designed to further develop their love of learning and capitalize on their natural enthusiasm and curiosity. We focus on reading, math, science, and computer skills. Pre-reading skills, reading, letter, word, and sound recognition, reading comprehension, writing, and vocabulary are taught and emphasized to support and expand the existing kindergarten program in the public school. In mathematics, counting, learning quantitative concepts, problem solving, sequencing, and serration as well as measurement are part of the curriculum as well as reinforced with meaningful experiences, and stimulating activities.

Early Arrival / Late Departure Programs
Our preschool day begins at 8:45am. Since many parents need to work, we offer parents, for an extra charge, the opportunity of extended care for their children. A qualified adult provides proper supervision for the children until instruction begins. School ends at 3:15pm, and since many parents are unable to pick up their child at this time, we offer qualified adult supervision for after school as well.