Early Childhood Curriculum at St. Ursula Villa

Excellence in Ursuline education begins at the Early Childhood Center of the Manor House, our beautiful estate home which features a new, built-to-suit classroom wing. The Villa offers two program choices in early childhood learning to meet the needs of every Villa family. Our programs are characterized by 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 (2-years-old by August 15, 2025)

  

  • Two mornings per week, 8:00 - 10:45 a.m.
  • Schedule options of Monday and Tuesday OR Thursday and Friday
  • Small classes allow for enrichment and socialization, encouraging growth and independence

• Montessori Program (3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds)

  

  • Multi-age environment with all-day and half-day options for 3's and 4's; an all-day schedule for Montessori Kindergarteners
  • Highly-qualified, Montessori-trained and degreed teachers
  • Hands-on, child-centered approach to early childhood education
  • Wealth of core Montessori concrete and manipulative materials which can be adapted to individual learning styles
  • Strong developmental program that carefully follows the Montessori model to ensure continuous growth and a successful transition to first grade
  • Field trips and guest presenters/programs
  • Classes with specialty teachers in Art, Music, Library, and Physical Education
  • Kindergarteners benefit from classes in Computer, and French and Spanish.
  • After school care available until 5:30 p.m.

  What parents say about St. Ursula Villa’s Montessori program

  • We have been constantly impressed with the support and affection from the teachers and staff in the Montessori program (as well as the rest of the Manor House). We initially didn't know much about Montessori but we have seen our son make huge strides in the program. He is more cooperative and self-sufficient, his interpersonal relationships have really blossomed, and he has been more affectionate with us at home, too.

  • Our child has loved Montessori and has really thrived. We chose Montessori because it was the only space available at the time we were looking at options. Knowing what we know now, we would choose it every time.

  • We have had a wonderful experience in the Montessori program. I am amazed at the growth from being a first year friend to a kindergartener. Being able to be in the same classroom with the same teacher has been (and will continue to be) very beneficial for our family.

  • We have been constantly impressed with the support and affection from the teachers and staff in the Montessori program (as well as the rest of the Manor House). We initially didn't know much about Montessori. But we have seen our son make huge strides in the program. He is more cooperative and self-sufficient, his interpersonal relationships have really blossomed, and he has been more affectionate with us at home, too.

  • My child had a wonderful Montessori experience and had no trouble at all transitioning to traditional 1st grade.

  • Our child has loved Montessori and has really thrived. We chose Montessori because it was the only space available at the time we were looking at options. Knowing what we know now, we would choose it every time.

  • We chose the Villa primarily for its safe, loving and challenging environment. We want our kids to be challenged academically in an environment that is socially and emotionally supportive. We give the Villa 5 stars in this category. Teacher education and length of tenure (low turnover) is also very important to us. We have been very happy with our 3 years in Montessori. Our teachers are top notch and work as a team to create a great environment for the kids.

  • We did not realize the benefit of the Montessori program until our child began to flourish within it… I think the teacher consistency for 3 years is critical, but did not realize at the time.

  • We could not be more pleased with the Early Childhood Education program!! The teachers, administration, and entire Villa community is exactly what I would dream for my young children.

  • We love it— it was a wonderful decision!

  • We have had a wonderful experience in the Montessori program. I am amazed at the growth from being a first year friend to a kindergartener. Being able to be in the same classroom with the same teacher has been (and will continue to be) very beneficial for our family.

• Traditional Preschool (3- and 4-year-olds)

  

  • Full-day and half-day programs; multiple schedule options
  • Highly-qualified, experienced teachers with degrees in Early Childhood Education
  • Emphasis on physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual development
  • Recognition of individual differences; use of hands-on learning
  • Strong curriculum in early literacy and math readiness with creative expression through art, music, and dramatic play
  • Field trips and programs by visiting community experts
  • Weekly classes with specialty teachers in Art, Music, Library, and Physical Education
  • After school care available until 5:30 p.m.

  What parents say about St. Ursula Villa’s Traditional preschool program

  • It has been a wonderful experience and have nothing but great things to say! The Villa and Manor House programs and teachers are seriously like family to us.

  • Love the experience so far! The teacher and assistant is unreal and we made the right decision for our son!

  • We were very happy with all of the teachers, the environment, and the level of instruction.

  • My son had transferred from another preschool to the Villa. He thrived at the Villa. He was academically and socially involved in the class and loved the activities. The Villa made it an easy transition for him and he came home every day excited and ready to go back.

  • We loved our preschool experience for both children. The teachers are incredible.

  • We love how caring and nurturing everyone is at the Villa, it makes me feel so comfortable dropping them off.

  • Have been ultimately satisfied. Both children excelling.

  • We have loved our experiences in the traditional program with two of our children and are excited for our third to start next year! We were initially drawn to the welcoming, loving environment with a strong curriculum. We really liked that while the teaching method was more traditional, Montessori principles were applied within the classroom (ex toy/activity layout and making choices). I also appreciate that while it is a group focused approach, we have found that the teachers are really good at meeting the child where they are academically and challenging appropriately.

  • We are very impressed with what our daughter has learned in just a short period of time and are excited to see what she continues to learn as the year goes on.

  • I am very happy with the traditional experience. All the teachers are wonderful. I like the balance between social and educational needs.

  • I went to the Villa myself, starting in Pre-3. I grew up there, and so did my brother and sister. I want nothing more than for my son to have that same experience, as it has truly shaped me into the person I am today and given me both the education and friendships that have been fundamental in my life.

  • I have been extremely impressed by my daughter's experience thus far. I can't say enough great things about her teacher. Her expectations and lessons are developmentally appropriate and foster academic and social growth. Her experience and training is apparent in all she does. We love her!

  • Our traditional experience has been fantastic. We love seeing the many creative projects that are sent home and all the activities they do on a daily basis.

  • So far, we love it and so does our child! His teacher is amazing and our son is learning so much after just 2 months of being there.

  • We have loved our experience in traditional preschool and loved the teachers!

• Traditional Kindergarten

  

  • All-day program
  • Highly-qualified, experienced, degreed teachers
  • Low teacher/student ratio
  • Emphasis on whole child development that honors individual differences
  • Strong academic curriculum to maximize success in first grade
  • Field trips and guest programs
  • Classes with specialty teachers in Art, Music, Library, Physical Education, Computer, and French and Spanish.
  • After school care available until 5:30 p.m.

Looking for more information on Early Childhood Education?

Learn more about the advantages of early childhood education and the Early Childhood Programs that St. Ursula Villa offers.  

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