About Our Preschool

First and foremost, we at The Neighborhood School believe that each child is an individual, a very valuable person with their own special needs, rate of development, temperament and method of learning.

We believe in the “unhurried child.” Each child must pass through the same stages of development, in the same order, but must do so at their own rate. Children must have time to complete each stage with a rich variety of developmentally appropriate experiences.

Children learn most effectively through hands-on experiences. They must be given plenty of opportunity to explore, manipulate and discover, as well as observe, reflect and question.

A child must not only be allowed, but encouraged, to feel the full range of emotions within. Whether it is happiness, sadness, anger, jealousy or fear, each one is a very important part of the child’s very being. There are no bad or negative emotions.

At the preschool level it is the process that is of utmost importance, as opposed to the product. Attempting, practicing and mastering new skills will enable a child to feel competent, thus helping to build a positive self-concept. It is important that we give the child autonomy of thought and trust them.

Children must learn at an early age to acknowledge and celebrate the many differences between people in the world. This must start in the school, the child’s “world.” A truly anti-bias curriculum must introduce a rich variety of cultural experiences, traditions and customs on a regular basis. We will strive to teach an anti-racist curriculum – a curriculum that helps us all to work together to end intolerant attitudes and behaviors.

Our goal is to challenge ourselves to grow and to change. To be present. To listen. To reach out to all with respect, empathy, compassion and inclusion.

The physical environment affects the behavior and development of both the children and the adults at school. The amount, arrangement and use of space affect the involvement of children in the program. A school must have ample room for running as well as for relaxing and reflecting.

We aim to provide an environment in which children can grow and develop to their fullest potential, an environment physically, academically and emotionally structured for success. Within this environment, children will learn the socialization skills necessary to prepare for not only kindergarten, but society as well. They will learn to share, help, cooperate, follow group as well as individual direction, and make choices, lead, speak up and express emotions in an appropriate way.