Preschool Philosophy

Montclair Academy Preschool will provide an early childhood education that fosters in children a joy of learning and encourages the development of well-rounded, responsible global citizens in a world that is fast becoming smaller and more inter-connected. We recognize the strength of pluralism and diversity in our society and our school community. We are committed to providing a multicultural curriculum that promotes an understanding and respect for people and experiences of diverse cultures. Montclair Academy Preschool believes in the fundamental importance of building a partnership between home and school in order to enhance the educational experience of each child.

At Montclair Academy Preschool, we believe in the importance of educating the whole child by addressing his intellectual, social, emotional and physical needs. Our fundamental goal is to facilitate the healthy growth and development of each individual and unique child, so that she has the power to reach her fullest potential. We believe that a child’s work is his play. We integrate Music, Spanish and Physical Education into a play-based curriculum. Our themes are based on great children’s literature and allow us to make material meaningful to the child by integrating it into all areas: language, math, art, science, gross motor and fine motor development. A play-based curriculum allows the child to discover and learn by exploring her environment, manipulating objects, testing relationships, developing problem-solving skills, and building relationships with teachers and peers. We create a balance of activities: child-directed versus teacher-directed; quiet versus active; and small group versus large group. Our goal is to plant the seed so that the child becomes a lifelong learner.

At Montclair Academy Preschool we believe in the importance of facilitating the development of social skills, as we teach children how to appreciate and cooperate with one another, treat each other with respect, and the practice of random acts of kindness. We believe in the importance of teaching young children how to peacefully resolve conflicts with one another in order to prepare them for becoming socially responsible citizens of the globe.

At Montclair Academy Preschool, we believe that the goal of discipline is to teach self-control. The key to effective discipline is good communication. It is the teacher’s responsibility to clearly state her expectations for the child in terms that he can understand, and then to guide him in such a way that he never feels threatened, frightened, or humiliated. It is the teacher’s responsibility to present the child with choices, facilitate good decision-making, and to hold the child responsible for her choices. Montclair Academy Preschool strives to provide a safe, friendly, warm and caring environment in which parents, children, faculty, staff and administration feel appreciated, known and valued.

Montclair Academy offers a well-rounded academic program designed to foster the development of individuals who are intellectually vibrant, socially responsible and ethically aware. In the elementary grades, early kindergarten through fourth, the subject areas of language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science are taught by the classroom teachers. Specialists meet with students in physical education, Spanish, information technology (computer), visual arts, and music. The elementary years provide students with a solid foundation in all subject areas while at the same time building an appreciation for learning.

Please read more about our preschool program:

• Daily schedule
• Fees
• Preschool Application