Children paint, draw, collage, sculpt and sew imaginative works of art in the classroom as well as our unique studio environment to enhance fine motor skills.
Early Childhood (ages 2-5)
Our lively academic program begins when children need it most.
Research on cognitive growth indicates that the early years of a child’s education represent the most critical time for their development. In fact, researchers from the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine have found that the human brain develops the vast majority of its neurons, and is at its most receptive to learning, between birth and three years of age. The earlier a family can invest in their child’s education, the better.
We view play as an essential part of our curriculum. By playing, children establish and enhance their creativity, social acuity, resilience, problem-solving capabilities and understanding of sequencing and cause and effect.
Amanda Irwin, Early Childhood & Primary School Director
Old Trail takes full advantage of this critical time of growth.
Expert teachers in the early childhood division instill academic skills in language arts, math, Spanish and more, nurturing qualities like independence and resilience that will benefit preschoolers as they continue their education.
The “Beautiful Stuff” project allows every child to contribute to a collage of personal items that is shared with the community.
Child-directed committee work and daily classroom conversations empower students to express their ideas and emotions.
Students start each day with a morning meeting to discuss the date, weather, and their daily schedule.
Naturescape playgrounds host opportunities for students to learn and play in natural environments.
We foster healthy growth in all areas.
Teachers in our Early Childhood Program are experts in child development and know how to nurture each child’s healthy social, emotional and intellectual growth. A child’s happiness affects their ability to learn, so we ensure your child learns in a positive, supportive preschool environment. From healthy eating to community outreach, our youngest children begin practicing the habits they’ll carry for life.
Old Trail School is to a child's well-being and growth, like fertile soil is to an acorn.
Kathi Jackson Holland, Alumni Parent
Overview and Philosophy
Inspired by Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies, our Early Childhood Program supports the whole child and stresses social and emotional learning in an environment that values diversity, intelligence and school success.
Play is a key factor in creating strong language and communication ability, critical thinking, problem solving and executive functioning. Through play, children integrate language development as well as all types of learning—physical, social, emotional and intellectual.
- As your child grows, we place an emphasis on the learning process with a balance of opportunities for small-group, large-group and individual learning experiences.
- Learning environments balance child-initiated activities and teacher-directed instruction; with guidance from teachers, children explore classroom spaces designed to cultivate self-help skills, problem solving, independence and resilience.
- Instructional materials and discussions prompt spontaneous and instructive play in the classroom and draw a developmental progression in the content of reading, math, writing, art, science and social studies.
- Children travel to other classrooms on campus for instruction in physical education, music, Spanish, makerspace and library time.
Research shows that students will have a love of learning if parents and teachers work together to understand the unique qualities of each child. Together we will discuss your child's strengths and learning styles. Our Early Childhood Program creates a parent-school relationship that supports a learning environment for children to develop to their fullest potential.
Enrollment Options
Designed for age-eligible preschoolers who are ready to experience school for the first time without an accompanying parent or caregiver. Our Toddler Program provides a nurturing setting where children engage in meaningful play activities that support developmental learning and exploration.
Designed for children who are age 3 by August 31 and focused on providing young learners with unique experiences rather than memorized information. Offered three or five days a week with full-day (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and half-day (8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.) options available.
Designed for children who are age 4 by August 31 and focused on providing young learners with unique experiences rather than memorized information. Offered five days a week with full-day (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and half-day (8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.) options available. Lunch is included for all ECP 5 Day students.
Our Junior Kindergarten program is designed for 4 and 5-year-old children, based on readiness assessments and observations. Classes are held five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A half-day option is available on Fridays with dismissal at Noon.
Early Childhood Curriculum
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