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
Our classes meet from 9am to 12pm. The 2s meets either three mornings a week (3-day 2s) or two mornings a week (2-day 2s). The 3s and Pre-K classes meet Monday through Friday.
2010-2011 Monthly Tuition Rate
Class
Full co-op
Limited co-op
Non co-op
Twos (2 day)
$178.00
n/a
$292.00
Twos (3 day)
$242.00
n/a
$355.00
Threes and Pre-K
$369.00
$476.00
$586.00
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
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 day a week, or every other week in the 2s)
