Early Childhood Program
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 rich learning experiences in literature and writing, math and computers, expressive and creative arts, physical education and science. We offer fun, developmentally appropriate activities to develop fine and gross motor skills. Imaginative instruction includes alphabet and counting games, singing, dramatic play, organized table games and group activities. Our preschoolers enjoy full use of Nettelhorst's extensive facilities, including the library/media center, 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 their classrooms.
Early Childhood Curriculum
The Nettelhorst School's early childhood curriculum is broad-based and balanced, incorporating multiple intelligence theory and developmentally appropriate practices and assessment.
Literature and Writing
We utilize Houghton Mifflin's Invitations to Literacy, which includes award-winning literature, phonics strands and comprehension skills. Children visit our school library where they can borrow books and games, listen to story hours, or curl up with a book in their own private "reading sailboat" or "bathtub." In addition to our own classroom and library story times, we visit the Menlo Public Library twice a month. Children learn auditory discrimination skills with the phonics program, Earobics, in weekly computer sessions, and they develop creative thinking through Leap Frog Electronics, daily journal writing, dictation, and model writing.
Math and Computers
Our math curriculum uses McGraw-Hill's Mathematics Manipulatives Series, which includes hands-on, supplemental educational materials. We also have computers and wireless Internet access in every classroom.
Expressive and Creative Arts
Our art program is joyful, stimulating and child-driven with paints, easels and abundant craft supplies in every classroom. We focus on the creative "process." In the tuition-based program, Go Get Your Smock teaches weekly creative art classes and the Suzuki-Orff School for Young Musicians offers weekly musical instruction.
Physical Education
Children enjoy supervised free-play and fun, structured games outdoors in our secure playground; in case of inclement weather, children play in our state-of-the-art gymnasium.
Science
Monthly thematic units help the children understand scientific enquiry and their role in our changing physical world. Our program includes daily, hands-on experiments and "discovery" expeditions.
Tuition-Based Preschool
Each tuition-based preschool classroom is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment divided into learning centers including art, blocks, dramatic play, manipulatives, reading and listening, writing, computers, music, science and discovery, a water table, an oatmeal table, and a giant climbing fort. Each teacher is certified in early childhood education, and the classes maintain an exceptional ratio of no more than nine children to one adult. This ratio exceeds the best practice guidelines set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Each class combines 3- and 4-year-olds, allowing children to develop at their own unique pace, in accordance with their individual abilities and needs.
Our preschoolers have a stimulating morning, and therefore nap approximately 60-90 minutes each day on comfortable cots. They need not sleep (although most do!), but they do need to rest quietly. Children may bring in their own special dolls or stuffed animals. The tuition-based preschool program runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; however, students do not need to stay all day. Children should arrive before 9:00 a.m. and may be picked up before lunch, before naptime or anytime between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Tuition is $185 per week and must be paid the week prior to service. Tuition is based on enrollment, not daily attendance.
Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are included; all meals are served "family-style" inside the classroom. The tuition-based program runs year-round (40 weeks). At some sites, CPS offers a four-week preschool "camp" option in July and August.
State Preschool Program
The Nettelhorst state pre-kindergarten program is an excellent, ten-month, half-day preschool program with a morning session from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. or an afternoon session from 12:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Certified early childhood educators provide rich learning experiences in literacy, math, music, art, creative science, computer skills, and physical education. Each classroom has a ratio of no more than 10 children to one adult at all times. The classes combine 3- and 4-year-olds to allow children to develop at their own unique pace, according to individual need.
Nettelhorst's state pre-kindergarten is blended with the special education program, enabling children to learn from and about each other. The state pre-kindergarten program is free, and includes lunch, served "family-style" inside the classroom. We screen children for enrollment, based on state-mandated criteria, and select certain students to receive extra support and cognitive readiness activities when appropriate.
Parental Partnerships
Both the tuition-based preschool program and the state pre-kindergarten program aim to provide a smooth transition from home to school, and serve as the foundation for future academic achievement and socialization. To ensure that children become comfortable in the classroom setting, students should attend on a daily basis. 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.
