About Spring Knolls........
Our Program
Spring Knolls is a place where children are taught to appreciate themselves and the world they live in. The faculty and co-oping parents work as a team in the classroom to provide a structured but relaxed and nurturing environment, one in which the whole child develops. We believe that a preschooler's self esteem is rooted in the mastery of his or her physical environment, as well as the ability to be part of a social group.
The primary focus of our curriculum is the cultivation of motor and interpersonal skills through play activities. Simple academics are subtly interwoven throughout the planned activities. Classes are kept to sizes that allow children to interact as much as possible with teachers, co-oping parents, and classmates. Spring Knolls' classes are grouped according to age, from two year olds through pre-kindergarten.
Spring Knolls prides itself on its cultural, racial and economic diversity. Every effort is made to teach the children about the unique qualities of themselves and others, while at the same time fostering a strong sense of community. It is our goal that each child who enters Spring Knolls will leave with a positive sense of who he or she is and with the confidence to reach higher levels of social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development.
Class Schedules
All classes meet from 9am to 12pm. The 2's meets either three mornings a week or two mornings a week. The 3's and Pre-K meet Monday through Friday.This year we also have a combined 3s and Pre-K class that meets from 12:30 until 3:30 p.m. Each year the exact schedule is determined by the parent board.
2006-2007 Monthly Tuition Rate
| Class |
Full co-op |
Limited co-op |
Non co-op |
| Twos (2 day) |
$151.00 |
n/a |
$249.00 |
| Twos (3 day) |
$207.00 |
n/a |
$303.00 |
| 5-day classes |
$315.00 |
$407.00 |
$500.00 |
Admissions Priorities Policy
Maintaining a diverse student population, reasonable age and gender balance, and adequate proportion of co-oping parents at each class level are primary goals of Spring Knolls, as is a commitment to the children of Spring Knolls parents, alumni, and staff. Spring Knolls therefore gives priority to applicants whose admission would further one or more of these goals. Because there may be more applicants than available spaces in particular classes, it may not be possible to admit all priority applicants in a given year.
Scholarships
Spring Knolls has a strong commitment to its scholarship program, and scholarships are available each year. Financial aid applications are reviewed by a committee composed of the director, the president of the board, the membership and participation chairs and the treasurer. Applications are available from the membership chair.
Daily Life
Days at Spring Knolls are planned to provide the children with different types of activity:
- Free play
Playtime with blocks and other manipulatives, play dough, puzzles, science equipment, books and each other
- Arts & Crafts
Child-directed painting, sculpture, collage, drawing
- Dramatic Play
Acting out stories and songs, puppetry, dress-up
- Language Skills
Reading, encouraging communication, foreign languages and sign language
- Cultural Enrichment
Learning about different foods, music, and ways of life from around the world
- Romping
In the play yard or, on rainy days, on equipment inside
- Music
Singing and dancing to live music and records, rhythm instruments, creative movement
- Everyday Skills
Cooking, gardening, building, cleaning
Teachers and parents also plan special activities for the children, including field trips, special performances, holiday events, and visits from members of the community.
The Co-op Choice
By choosing a co-op nursery school you:
- Participate in your child's education
- Observe your child's interactions with others
- Become a part of a community of parents
- Contribute your talents and interests
- Experience the rewards of working with young children
- Learn creative parenting skills, exchange ideas with parents and teachers, and connect with your community
Co-oping parents also benefit from reduced tuition rates. (Additionally, financial assistance is available.) We recognize that the degree to which parents can spend time co-oping in the classroom may vary because of other constraints such as work schedules and the needs of family members.
Co-op Options
- Full co-op (one morning a week, or every other week in the 2s)
- Limited co-op (one morning every other week)
- Non co-op
