We believe children learn best when they are motivated to carry out inquiry and research. The children’s own passions form the basis for in-depth investigations that lead them to develop understanding, to represent their ideas, and to develop a repertoire of social and emotional skills. Teachers and the specially prepared environment support the children in their investigations, making available a wide variety of media and “languages” in which the children can express their ideas, questions, and theories, revealing their many forms of intelligence. As children actively construct knowledge with teachers and other students, they acquire the habit of social responsibility, both as individuals who respect others, and as members of a learning community who can negotiate, collaborate, and seek solutions collectively.

Our daily schedule conforms as much as possible to the child’s sense of time. This means slowing down, removing artificial breaks and transitions, allowing the children to sustain deep engagement in their work and play, and imparting a sense of routine and predictability that helps us to function well as a school community.

Our Preschool program shares the same philosophical underpinnings as our program in the Lower and Middle Schools and reflects our commitment to pursuing best practices in early childhood education. In addition, the Preschool program is strongly influenced by and shares many features with the municipal preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy.