The Little School is very excited to announce the introduction of two new offerings.

Beginning on August 25, 2010, The Little School will offer TK/Kindergarten and after school care. This school will be housed on the Waterstone Campus and will be registered with the Department of Non-Public Education. We will offer TK/Kindergarten and after-school care for the 2010-2011 school year. The school will follow all of the guidelines outlined by the State of North Carolina for kindergarten curriculum, and be staffed by qualified teachers and teaching assistants. The group size for both programs will be limited to 20 children so please contact Miss Mary at: mary@thelittleschool.net for more information.

Some Commonly Asked Questions:

1. What hours will the school be open?
The TK/Kindergarten will follow the same daily schedule as The Little School. Students may be dropped off as early as 7:30 or as late as 9:00 for the start of the school day. The program day will conclude at 3:00 but parents may pick up as late at 5:45 for the same daily cost.

The after-school program will begin at 2:30 and parents may pick up as late at 5:45.

2. Will there be busing for the after school program?
Parents will need to drop off and pick up UNLESS they live in the New Hope School District in which case they can be bused to the school from New Hope for after-school only.

3. Will meals be served? Snacks?
Lunch will be served to the TK/Kindergarten class by our chef in our dining room. Snacks will be served in the morning and afternoon in the classrooms.

4. What ages will the after-school program serve?
The after-school program will serve elementary school aged children.

5. What will the programs feel like?
The Little School’s driving forces are born from a variety of sources and experiences. It is a constantly evolving process that is filled with discovery of new ideas, discussion and discourse, reading and research, and an approach that values openness and learning, with a shared goal of growth for both teachers and children.

The Little School today is the result of a six-year evolution that began with a mission to integrate components of the Reggio Emilia approach into our school. Reading and observing how this approach deepened our understanding of children, we were propelled in many different directions to learn more and progress our knowledge and experience to support these guiding principles.

Following is a snapshot of the ideas and perspectives that influence how we interact with the children on a daily basis. To really know The Little School, one has to be immersed in it for some time, living in the moments, and reflecting with us as we grow. However, the following articles and pages will provide a foundation for a common language and understanding.These “Four Big Ideas” carry with them many of the same themes – among them community, growth, choice, beauty, understanding, intent. They share these themes while also expanding perspectives in other areas. While each of these big ideas could stand alone, taken together, they grow and combine to create a broad framework for who we are as a school.

For more information about our philosophy please read  4 Big Ideas in Education

6. How will you adapt the 4 Big Ideas to elementary school aged children?
The only adaptation will be in the kinds of materials that we use to stimulate the children's learning. Classroom provocations and materials will invite the children to further explore all of the areas outlined in the North Carolina Kindergarten Standard Course of Study. Those areas include: Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Computer and Technology, Information Skills, Healthful Living, Visual Arts, Music and Guidance. We will simply bring our own approach to the teaching.

7. Will the children have time outdoors daily?
YES! The heart of our program is the tremendous value that we place on the natural environment as a co-teacher. Our kindergarteners and afterschoolers will explore the woods, work in our garden, contribute to the creation of our outdoor playspaces, and have free time to play outside as all children should!

8. What are the costs of the programs?
TK/Kindergarten- $1050/month on an year-round basis
After-school- $300/month on a school-year basis.

9. Will you offer any kind of elementary school aged summer programing?
Absolutely! We will have a summer program in place for the summer 0f 2011. Please look for information in the future.

Mary Swanson
Admissions Manager
The Little School of Hillsborough