| Two by Twos Classes | Three Year Old Classes | Four Year Old Classes | Kindergarten | First Grade St. James' Episcopal School promotes the utmost development of each child within the scope of his or her capabilities and interests. Each child is permitted the freedom of choices within a structured situation. The program and environment allow our students to grow at his/her own individual rate. The program is designed to help build skills, promote a good self image, and foster a life-long love of learning. Centers of interest are provided with the opportunity to experience a wide variety of subject matter. However, there are no predetermined levels of proficiency expected. Information and materials for art, creative play, reading readiness, listening skills, math readiness, dramatics, science, nature, music, and motor skills are offered to stimulate the child's own natural curiosity and potential for growth. St. James’ Episcopal School provides programs for two and a half year-olds, three year-olds, four year-olds/pre- kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade. Each program is designed consistent with our philosophy and mission to develop age-appropriate skills and meet age-appropriate milestones. TWO BY TWOS CLASSES Our teachers will present a rich, stimulating curriculum in a welcoming and engaging environment for the two and a half year- old students. Our two day class will run 8:20-11:20 on Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday. Each 2 day class will admit 10 children with an experienced early childhood lead teacher and an aide. Children must be two years and six months by September 30, 2010 to be considered and should be working towards toilet training. The program begins the second week of September and continues through the third week of May. Refunds are not given for early withdraw or missed classes. Our 2 ½ year old program will celebrate the potential of every child, inviting them to develop their unique strengths and gifts. Our main focus will be learning through play and socialization. Our nurturing and stimulating environment will promote the abilities of each child and allow them to flourish and grow. To read more about a typical class day, click here. THREE YEAR-OLD CLASSES • 2 day Classes • 3 day Classes The emphasis of our three year-old class is to provide challenging activities designed to meet the individual needs of children during the active time of growth and development. The three year-old classes use consistent routine and engaging activities to help create a love of school. Hands on learning allows students to develop skills in language arts and math while building self-confidence and self esteem in the classroom. We provide materials, experiences, and the physical space for children to explore through touch, sound and sight, a requisite for their cognitive growth. Between the ages of three and four and a half, children experience considerable growth. St. James’ strives to work in all areas of development including physical, cognitive, and social-emotional. Teachers offer a planned curriculum that stimulates children’s interest, experimentation and cooperation. Children are offered hands-on activities and are encouraged to work with each other. In January, a report will be sent home to assess students’ progress in the class. FOUR YEAR- OLD PRE-KINDERGARTEN CLASSES • 3 day Classes • 4 day Classes • 5 day Classes The pre-kindergarten classes help prepare young minds for elementary school with emphasis on more structured learning. Parents can choose from 3, 4, and 5 day-a -week classes. Teachers and administrators may help in this placement. Within the pre-kindergarten program, the focus is to help promote an enthusiastic and receptive attitude toward school. By combining a diverse academic program with a healthy, socially-oriented one, teachers strive to create a very stimulating, fun-filled day for the children. The pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs follow a philosophy of education in which children proceed at their own pace and use a variety of hands-on materials and age-appropriate activities. The pre-kindergarten classroom offers child-centered learning activities allowing children to build a positive attitude toward learning through questioning, observing and experimenting with varied materials. Teachers help promote the children's construction of knowledge and build foundations for school success in reading, math, science and the arts. Interaction and collaboration with peers work to promote language development, perspective taking and conflict resolution. In January, a progress report will be sent home with the four and a half to five year-old children. This is to assist parents in making the decision of whether or not to send their child on to kindergarten in the fall. Kindergarten Readiness Screening is available and children entering kindergarten should be five years old by September 30. KINDERGARTEN Like the pre-kindergarten program, the kindergarten program uses a stimulating hands-on approach to learning allowing for a more individualized student experience. The curriculum offered at the kindergarten level includes religious education, language arts, mathematics, social science, physical science, music, art and computer technology. Language arts instruction includes a balance of activities focused on developing phonemic awareness, phonics, word study, comprehension/vocabulary and writing skills. Mathematics instruction in kindergarten is center-based, encouraging children to manipulate real materials in order to make mathematical concepts meaningful. Social science, physical science, and computer technology instruction are integrated into the overall curriculum through theme based units in language arts and mathematics. Learning experiences emphasize friendliness, cooperation, and social responsibility within a child-centered curriculum based on standards set forth by the State of Virginia. |
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