Early childhood education at St. Ursula Villa begins at age two! For two mornings per week from 8:00-10:45, children are encouraged to participate in socialization and enrichment activities. These activities encourage mental and emotional growth, as well as independent thinking. Parents can choose scheduling options of Monday and Tuesday or Thursday and Friday.
The Importance of Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education, the period when children experience significant mental and emotional growth, is the foundation of student academic success. These years lay the basic framework for social skills, self-esteem, perception of the world, and moral outlook. Cognitive skills and problem solving are also developed. Children who experience a formal education at an early age typically benefit in the following ways:
- Improved social skills
- Better grades
- Enhanced attention span
St. Ursula Villa’s Early Childhood Education program is designed to aid in the cognitive and social development of our students before they enter elementary school.
At St. Ursula Villa, we provide a solid foundation for our outstanding Catholic Ursuline education. Our Early Childhood Education begins at the Early Childhood Center of the Manor House, our beautiful estate home which features a new, built-to-suit classroom wing. We offer four program choices in early childhood learning to meet the needs of every Villa family. Our programs are characterized by nurturing relationships between teacher and student, and strong partnerships between teacher and parent. All children at the Manor House enjoy activities throughout our beautiful campus, where opportunities for outdoor education abound.
-
Toddler Program
-
Traditional Preschool
The Traditional preschool program includes an emphasis on physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual development. We provide a strong curriculum in early literacy and math readiness as well as creative expression through art, music, and dramatic play. Weekly classes with specialty teachers in Art, Music, Library, Outdoor Education, and Physical Education enrich students’ natural talents. Students enjoy presentations by visiting community experts.
Traditional preschool teachers are highly qualified with degrees in Early Childhood Education. Both full-day and half-day programs are available, and there are multiple schedule options for the convenience of each family. Our Traditional preschool program values the recognition of individual differences and employs the use of hands-on learning.
-
Montessori Education
Our Montessori program engages students in a robust, multi-age Montessori classroom environment. Full-day or half-day options are available for children ages three and four, while Montessori Kindergarteners/five-year-olds enjoy an all-day schedule. Our teachers are trained in the Montessori style of teaching, which involves free exploration within a prepared environment of activities.Weekly classes with specialty teachers in Art, Music, Outdoor Education, Library, and Physical Education enrich students' natural talents and interests. A Montessori education tailors the experience to the learning style and personality of each individual child.
-
Traditional Kindergarten
The St. Ursula Villa Traditional Kindergarten program emphasizes whole child development that honors individual student differences. We provide a strong academic curriculum to maximize success in first grade, with an emphasis on reading, writing, and math skills. Students participate in field trips and guest programs, as well as classes with specialty teachers in Art, Music, Library, Physical Education, Computer, Outdoor Education, French and Spanish, and LEAP (Learning Activities Enrichment Program).
Our all-day program is taught by highly-qualified, experienced, degreed teachers. With a low teacher/student ratio, you can be sure your child is experiencing the best in Ursuline education. If needed, after school care is available until 6:00 p.m. Find more information here.
About St. Ursula Villa
St. Ursula Villa is an Independent Catholic grade school rooted in the Ursuline tradition. We nurture the whole child, foster academic excellence, and develop God-given talents. Integrating Christian truths and values through example allows us to teach our student that service, openness, and love are essential in being productive and impactful members of society.
During a student’s time at the Villa, we instill four important values collectively known as “The Portrait of a St. Ursula Villa Graduate.” These values are:
Lifelong Learner
Exemplifies academic preparedness with superior knowledge and a commitment to excellence.
Demonstrates outstanding study skills and time management habits.
Confident & Engaged Individual
Develops academic, spiritual, social, artistic, and athletic gifts and interests, and uses these talents in impactful ways.
Eagerly embraces new challenges.
Compassionate Citizen
Recognizes the needs of others and gives to the less fortunate.
Contributes to solutions that benefit the community.
Respectful Advocate
Uses independent critical thinking and communication skills to help support oneself and others.
Maintains a courteous attitude with peers and adults.
For more information, contact us today!