2020 Guide to Preschools & Private Schools

New year, new school? If this sounds familiar the guide below will help aid in the decision-making process for your child. So whether you are searching for a preschool program or considering private high school for your teen, our guide covers all stages of education choices. We’re lucky to have so many great programs to chose from in addition to strong public schools. And as always, you can find open house dates on our calendar.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

Wesley Learning Center is a NAEYC accredited preschool located right in the heart of Sandy Hook Village. Students at Wesley experience an integrated curriculum using “The Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards” and featuring “The Handwriting Without Tears Program”. A committed staff, treats children as individuals encouraging them to learn at their own pace. Bright, cheerful classrooms and a large playground help foster learning through play.

Additional programs such as music with the Suzuki School of Music and before & after school programs in Science, Art, and Gym further enrich Wesley Learning Center’s preschool programs.

All current & prospective families are invited to an open house on Saturday January 25th from 9AM – 11AM. Stop by, meet the teachers, see the classrooms, and learn more about the 2020/2021 school year.

For questions, please contact Diane Fuchs, Director by email at [email protected] or by phone at (203) 426-6149.

Additional Preschool programs:

Children’s Adventure Center, Sandy Hook

Prince of Peace, Brookfield

The Village Preschool, Bethel

Trinity Day School, Newtown

FULL DAY PRESCHOOL

If you’re searching for childcare options, look no further than Brown Stair Montessori Daycare. This new micro-preschool, located right in Sandy Hook offers a small classroom setting for walkers to age 5. Instruction follows a traditional Montessori classroom with benefits including:

Small classroom with individualized instruction
Exposure to a variety of ages
Children are given the freedom to explore and engage in what interests them
Lessons are individually tailored to the student, based on his or her academic & developmental levels..

Brown Stair Montessori Daycare offers a 10% sibling discount. Contact Amy Mancusi today by emailing [email protected] or by calling (203) 837-7568.

Selecting a full day preschool program for your child is no easy task. Christine & Indra Sen can tell you that from first hand experience. As the new owners of The Learning Experience-Newtown, they strive to make that decision easier for parents by creating a community school where their son Kai and other children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Safe and secure center. With security fob-required entry, nearly 100% of the staff CPR/First Aid certified, FingerSafe technology, and cameras in every classroom, parents continue to cite “safety” as the main reason they select The Learning Experience.
Strong curriculum. With programs in literacy, mathematics, yoga, and even Mandarin Chinese, children have the opportunity to learn from day one. Due to a strong phonics program, a large portion of last year’s pre-k class has been placed in advanced literacy programs across local elementary schools.
Experienced leadership and quality staff. Christine graduated from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and is a former kindergarten teacher; Indra previously led a 300+ student public school in Connecticut. The school’s knowledgeable, caring teachers have educated hundreds of Newtown children.
A community school that cares about Newtown. Children are taught the importance of philanthropy and have raised money for the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Newtown Scholarship Association, and Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary. In addition, children of first responders receive a special discount on tuition.
After School Care & Summer Camps. After school programs are available for older siblings with busing from local public schools conveniently provided. A pre-K summer camp is offered to aid in getting children ready for kindergarten.

The Learning Experience is conveniently located on Route 25 in Newtown. TLE is now offering two weeks FREE if you enroll by 2/15.

If you are interested in learning more about The Learning Experience and setting up a tour, contact Indra by email [email protected] or by phone at (203) 417-9718.

Other locations with full day preschool programs:

Country Kids, Brookfield

Educational Playcare, Newtown

Merryhill Childcare Center, Newtown

PRIVATE SCHOOL (Pre-K through 8th)

The classroom is a child’s first home away from home. It is a place of warmth, order, and beauty. It is an environment that nourishes the senses and fosters reverence for nature and the material world.

At Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, each day follows a gentle rhythm which provides the children with a sense of security. The day begins with circle time, during which the children sing and recite verses. Finger plays and rhymes inspire a love of language and develop children’s fine and gross motor skills. Creative free play follows and offers an opportunity for children to exercise healthy fantasy.

Playthings are created from natural, simple materials such as wood, colorful silks, shells, and smooth stones. Mid-morning, children, and teachers prepare a wholesome, organic snack. They eat at a table set with candles, real plates, silverware, and cloth napkins. Every day of the week includes an artistic activity such as watercolor painting, modeling with colored beeswax, drawing with crayons, or Eurythmy (a movement art).

The primary focus on play, imagination, the development of the physical body, art, and social/emotional skills. When children are given the time to master the skills appropriate to their developmental stage, an inner confidence is cultivated which follows them throughout their academic school years, and most often, propels them ahead later.

While the aim of our early childhood education curriculum is to awaken physical capacities and strengthen the will of the child, the goal of our elementary and middle school curriculum is to stimulate the feeling life of our students. Lessons are taught experientially, and the arts and storytelling are integral to all academic instruction. Students learn to find beauty in learning, in the world, and in each other. For more information about our grade school visit: https://www.waldorfct.org/grade-school/

For more information, please contact Therese Lederer, Enrollment Director by emailing [email protected] or by calling (203) 364-1113.

Prospective families are invited to visit Housatonic Valley Waldorf School during the following dates: