The Facility
Our spacious and brightly decorated school is located in the Smokey Point area of Arlington, Washington (see map). Our classrooms are very large, leaving ample room for learning centers, a library, an art center, a home center, a building center, and a science center. There is also an area with tables for teacher-guided instruction in pre-reading, writing, puzzles and pre-math activities. All of our teachers (and children) keep their rooms colorfully decorated with artwork and current projets, and filled with books, learning games and activities, art supplies and everything else imaginable to support an environment for creative and "hands-on" learning. Outside, there is a large, fenced-in play area, which includes slides, swings, sandboxes and climbers, as well as some seasonal fun like bubbles! We go outside every day, weather permitting.
Curriculum
All of our programs are designed to focus on a wide range of skills and experiences. The curriculum for both the preschool and the Pre-Kindergarten is divided into four main areas:
Aesthetics include music, creative dramatics, creative movement, puppetry, art exploration and art projects
Life Skills include a science and nature discovery program, woodworking, gardening, cooking, personal safety and nutrition.
Pre-Academics include pre-reading, phonics, pre-writing and pre-math skills, following directions, listening skills, fine muscle coordination and kindergarten readiness activities for both the preschool and Pre-kindergarteners.
Social Skills include problem solving, taking turns, communication skills, free play and working together as a group. We also teach children to be kind and to respect themselves as well as each other.
The Alphabet Puppet Program which introduces the alphabet letters and their sounds through the use of puppets, stories, songs, and activities, is highly sucessful and incorporated into all sessions. The program has value for ALL children since it can enhance the experience they have already had or use those experiences as starting points in learning new endeavors.
The children participate in music and creative dramatics and storytelling on a daily basis. Often you may see original compositions and plays performed in the classroom complete with child-made props and costumes. During the school year, the children put on musical programs for parents at Christmas and at the end of the year.
Learning by doing breeds creative thinking, self-expression, and the confidence to experiment, control and perfect skills. By encouraging self-discovery, originality, and individualism, we avoid a competitive atmosphere and encourage each student to participate at his or her own pace.
