Our structured Preschool Program focuses on the development of the whole child by fostering a love of learning in a positive and nurturing environment. Our certified early childhood educators provide a rich learning curriculum.
We offer fun, developmentally appropriate activities to develop small and gross motor skills. Imaginative instruction includes alphabet, numeral, and counting games, singing, dramatic play, organized table games, and group activities.
Our students enjoy full use of The Nettelhorst School's extensive facilities, including the art rooms, gymnasium, dance room, kitchen, World Music Café, theater, and science and computer laboratories. Field trips support the particular themes children are learning in the classroom.
Each tuition-based preschool classroom is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment divided into learning centers. These areas include art, blocks, dramatic play, manipulatives, reading and listening, writing, computers, music, science and discovery, water table, oatmeal table, and giant climbing fort.
Pre-K story time in the Library
Each tuition-based preschool teacher is certified in early childhood education and has a staff of two assistant teachers. This ensures an exceptional ratio of no more than nine children to one adult at all times (exceeding the NAEYC's best practice guidelines). Each class combines three and four year-olds, which allows children to develop at their own unique pace, according to their individual abilities and needs.
Our preschoolers have a stimulating morning, and therefore nap approximately one to one-and-a-half hours each day on comfortable cots. Children may bring in their own special dolls or stuffed animals.
The tuition-based preschool program runs throughout the school year with a camp session during the Summer. We ask that children attend on a daily basis to become comfortable in a classroom setting—though, they need not stay all day. Children should arrive before 9:00 a.m. and may be picked up either before lunch, before nap time or after 2:30 p.m.
Please call the school office at 773-534-5810 to inquire about availability, tuition costs and admissions.
State Preschool Program
The Nettelhorst state pre-kindergarten program offers an excellent ten-month preschool curriculum. Children are screened for enrollment based on state-mandated criteria. Certain students are selected to receive extra support and cognitive readiness activities when appropriate.
Each state pre-kindergarten classroom teacher is certified in early childhood education and has a staff of two assistant teachers. This ensures a ratio of no more than ten children to one adult at all times. Each class combines three and four year-olds, which allows children to develop at their own unique pace, according to their individual needs.
The state pre-kindergarten is a free, half-day program with a morning session from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or an afternoon session from 11:00a.m. to 1:30p.m. We ask that children attend on a daily basis to become comfortable in a classroom setting. Either breakfast or lunch is included and served "family-style" in the classroom.
Parental Partnerships
Both of our Preschool programs are designed to provide a smooth transition from home to school and serve as the foundation for future academic achievement and socialization. Our caring teachers keep parents well informed about their child's education and development. We always welcome parents into the classroom and on field trips to share their expertise and enthusiasm.
