“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.

Want to make sure your kids aren’t bored this summer?
Send them to Brilliant Summer at St. Catherine’s School for a unique experience for boys and girls ages three and up. Hundreds of choices spanning 12 weeks – something for everyone!

Academic Courses:
Summer academic classes are designed to enhance academic skills through enrichment, acceleration and review. Small classes, taught mostly by St. Catherine’s faculty, provide students with personal attention. Students may concentrate on a single course or several courses for a focused learning experience. A relaxed atmosphere and dedicated faculty create a pleasant and meaningful learning environment. For-credit courses offered for grades 9-12. Babysitting certification and drivers ed are also available.

Athletic Camps:
From leadership to coping skills, from teamwork to determination, the spectrum of life skills provided by sports is far reaching in its impact. Our coaches are not only outstanding in their discipline, but are passionate and dedicated to the pursuit of excellence and the well being of athletes. Learn from greats such as VCU basketball Hall of Famer Ed Sherod.

Day Camps:
Kids can participate in half-day or full-day camps for one or three week sessions. Campers in rising grades 2-10 schedule their own activities from abundant choices in theatre, dance, music, creative writing, improv, foreign languages, science, engineering, technology, movie-making, sports and outdoor adventure. Specialty camps offered through partnerships with local experts in theater (SPARC), dance (Latin Ballet of Virginia) and fishing and mountain biking (Virginia Outside).

Special Programming for Young Explorers (ages 3 ½ to rising grade 1):
Brilliant Summer’s Young Explorers Day Camp provides preschoolers with opportunities to expand their natural and creative curiosities through art music, puppetry, storytelling, creative movement, puzzles and games.

Spaces are limited – Register Today!
Click here to register online for academic courses and day camps.
Click here to register for Sports Camps.
Call 804-288-2804, ext. 3396 for more information.

This meeting is geared towards prospective students grades 5-12 and their parents, and will be held in the Middle School Assembly Room, Washington Hall.

For lower school students, admissions programs are as follows:

Junior Kindergarten/Kindergarten
Oct. 12, 2012 – 9:30 a.m.
Admissions Program for prospective parents

Oct. 23, 2012 – 9:30 a.m.
Admissions Program for prospective parents

November 14, 2012
Discovery Day for applicants and parents by appointment

Visit St. Catherine’s School site more information on admissions events throughout the 2012-2013 school year.

St. Catherine’s School is an advertiser of Richmondmom.com.