“Though no 4 or 5 year old has the verbal language to represent it, they are profound and symbolic thinkers,” St. Catherine’s JK teacher Pam Oken-Wright said. “As long as I have been teaching, you would not think I could still be amazed, but I am, constantly. As I have said before, we are witness to 1,000 moments of brilliance a day.”

There’s a kind of magic in the enthusiasm and excitement of a 4 year old child.  In the all-girls environment at St. Catherine’s School, curious minds are given bright futures.

For decades, girls have flourished in the Reggio Emilia inspired Junior Kindergarten (JK) program at St. Catherine’s. A new expansion opportunity will enable more girls in the Richmond region to enroll in JK for the 2015-2016 school year and beyond. To meet the needs of today’s families, full-day and half-day JK academic options will continue to be offered.

“The formative years are critical for a child’s growth and development, and every girl can benefit from an early start at St. Catherine’s,” said Dr. Terrie Hale Scheckelhoff, St. Catherine’s Head of School. “Our JK Program is truly unique as it is fully embraced by the vast resources of master teachers, talented students, extensive facilities and countless opportunities made possible by our girl-centered JK-grade 12 program.”

To make room for the expansion, St. Catherine’s will more than double the educational space for these young students.  St. Catherine’s is honoring their commitment to early childhood education by dedicating an entire building to the Early Childhood Center. Renovations will begin at the conclusion of the 2014-15 school year and the expected opening for fall coincides with the School’s 125th Anniversary.  Young explorers will continue to benefit from a unique outdoor classroom space with water, sand and rocks reflective of the city of Richmond.

In addition, as part of St. Catherine’s Early Education, the School is offering “Girls Discover” enrichment courses uniquely designed for girls ages 3-5.  Programs such as Girls Discover STEM provide young girls the opportunity to engage in unique topics and activities that expand their intellect and encourage creativity.  Learn more about St. Catherine’s Early Childhood programs here.

Apply for St. Catherine’s today and watch your child flourish in this remarkable program.

This article is sponsored by St. Catherine’s School.

Visit Richmondmom.com for more details! 

Consider the following variables when selecting a summer program:

How can you ensure your child is in a safe program?   

To ensure optimum safety, look for a program that hosts visitors, such as community helpers and puppet shows. ‘Camp’ visitors provide an exciting and unique departure from a school-year activity. Look for programs that meet the stringent standards of a quality assurance review process in addition to maintaining state regulations.

How can you be sure your child is involved in age-appropriate activities?

While summer programs provide terrific opportunities for children to participate in activities with mixed-age groups, parents should make sure the curriculum includes ample occasion for children to learn at their own pace.

How important is a learning component during the summer?

Parents should seek a program that encourages on-going opportunities. A positive learning environment filled with enriching activities to nurture children’s self-confidence, is key. Children shouldn’t stop learning just because it’s summer.

The Goddard School’s summer program blends fun, adventure and learning in a safe and nurturing environment. Energetic teams of teachers plan developmentally appropriate activities and children are exposed to science and nature, arts and crafts, drama, cooking, manners, computers and technology, literature and language, music and movement, sports and games.

During the summer program at The Goddard School, children march in playground parades, learn about creepy crawlies, send letters to pen pals and enjoy splish splash days. Summer calendars include a variety of special visitors and cultural events. These visitors provide exciting learning opportunities and may include community helpers, theatrical productions, musicians and outreach programs through local museums.

Children are delighted by Goddard’s unique summer activities where play and educational opportunities abound. The Goddard School goes far beyond just summer camp fun. Their program combines songs, stories, exploration, physical activities and learning adventures. The Goddard School ensures children have a memorable summer all the while, preparing them for the upcoming school year.

To discover how Goddard can make this summer your child’s best learning experience yet

call 800-GODDARD or visit www.GoddardSchool.com.

Goddard School for Early Childhood Development is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com