Preschool

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.“

Pablo Picasso

Laurelwood's preschool program begins with arrival from 7:45 and ends with departure from 2:30 pm - 2:45 pm with active learning in between. For parents needing additional morning, afternoon or full-day care, please see the Extended Day program tab. For part-time options, please contact the school. Our ratios are 1:6 for age 2 and 1:8 for ages 3 - 5. Laurelwood is a 5-star licensed center.

The preschool program emphasizes active learning and consistent routine that provides many opportunities for children to make choices throughout the day. By having a consistent schedule and staff, as well as a variety of new and familiar materials, an intentionally arranged environment, and respect for children and their ideas, we believe that children are given the best opportunity to succeed in education. Our teachers plan ongoing project work and arrange the classrooms based on the interests, ideas and abilities of the children.

Laurelwood offers endless opportunities for your child to express themselves creatively. Creative expression is so valued, in fact, that we have dedicated an entire space to art: The Art Studio. This space is designed for small groups of children to explore, study and create with a wide variety of expressive mediums. The Studio is where, in collaboration with the Studio Facilitator, the children and teachers will be able to deepen their project work and inquiries using expressive art.

Daily experiences in Laurelwood’s beautiful and spacious outdoor classroom will provide extended periods of time for the children to connect with nature, explore scientific inquiry, take reasonable risks and explore the beauty of the natural world. Experiences in this space will include encounters with gardening, music, dramatic play, building and art. In our outdoor classroom, your child will experience nature in all weather - rain or shine - observing the beauty and wonder of the natural elements.

It is within the context of these thoughtfully created spaces and experiences that the children are encouraged to explore freely and interact with their peers, their environment and their teachers at their own pace and desire through play and conversations.