We recognize the significance of experiences in early childhood on an individual’s later development, and we use age-appropriate approaches for teaching. Our curriculum is based on the ideas of Austrian philosopher and scientist Rudolf Steiner whose insights into the developing consciousness of the human being have now been verified by modern neurophysiological studies. Researchers such as Jane Healy, David Elkind and Joseph Chilton Pearce, among others, have written extensively on the importance of play for the healthy and holistic development of children.

We view play as the serious work of childhood, and learning by doing provides the foundation for active imagination, problem solving and creative thinking. Our program is experiential, based on the conviction that academic instruction is best postponed until elementary school. We build the foundation for cognitive learning through a variety of play and work activities.

We journey with the children through the seasons of the year with festivals, gardening and craft activities. This brings a sense of wonder and reverence for nature. Through cooperative and careful work we encourage respect for both the environment and one another.

Concentration, small muscle development and hand-eye coordination are all essential precursors to reading and writing. Activities that promote these skills include baking, braiding, finger crocheting, sewing, modeling with beeswax, crayoning, watercolor painting and others.

A further contribution to language development is our practice of storytelling. In this way the child’s memory is developed along with a sense for the beauty and expressiveness of language. Some stories are presented as puppet plays. We use traditional and ethnic fairy tales and stories from cultures around the world.

Daily circle time features poems, games and songs that further build language skills and also provide the basis for mathematics skills through counting games and rhymes.

Gardening is a wonderful and enriching experience for the children. Throughout the seasons the children are able to assist in planting at the school. Each class tends to its own garden plots by planting flowers and vegetables during the spring and fall. As a result, the children are able to see for themselves the fruits of their labor. They enjoy decorating the classroom with the flowers, and eating the vegetables for snack!