Our little school by the sea was founded in 1994 by group of parents from Calvary Episcopal Church who wanted to create a "dream preschool". They believed that complementary teaching philosophies, including Waldorf and the Reggio Emilia approach, would provide a well-rounded curriculum and allow each child the opportunity to learn in an environment best-suited to teaching to their strengths. In addition, instilling values of faith, hope, love, service and forgiveness were important in providing children with a base from which to interact and go forward in the world. 

 

Since inception, the school has evolved but has remained steadfast in honoring the traditions and philosophies instilled, which have influenced the culture at Calvary to this very day.

 

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Play

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The preschool years stand as a bridge between home and grade school. We choose not to hurry children across the bridge, but allow them to proceed at their own pace through the medium that they enjoy most, play. The importance of play cannot be understated. We offer children unrestricted but purposefully planned opportunities for them to explore the many facets of their world. We offer support when needed, but as teachers we are observers, taking note of how and why children react or receive what we present. This sort of collaborative teaching makes children engaged learners at the ground level, setting them up for wanting to learn for learning’s sake.

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Natural Aesthetics & Appreciation for Nature

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Because young children so deeply imitate and absorb their surroundings, at Calvary, special care is taken to create an environment that is beautiful, harmonious and secure. We keep the natural aesthetic in all that we do; from the use of simple hand crafted toys in the classroom to placing importance on the outdoor environment and the traditional celebrations of seasonal holidays. 

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Cultivating Confidence

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A predictable daily and weekly rhythm is established at the beginning of the school year to help children feel secure and in control. As the year progresses, a change in the daily activity requires a class vote. This is the start of the children learning about their civic duty.   

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New England Science and Sailing

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The partnership between NESS and Calvary is a natural intertwining of NESS' four core values of Inclusiveness, Experiential Learning, Personal Growth and Stewardship and Calvary's focus on creating an awareness and appreciation for the natural world and our role within it. 

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Enrichment 

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Weekly Music & Movement and Chapel time are included for all children, among many other enrichment opportunities such as, yoga and mindfulness, community outings and special visits, and of course, many adventures in the historic Stonington Borough.

 

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Our Goals

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• To foster in each child a lively sense of wonder and joy in discovering the world.

• To establish an atmosphere of respect for self, others and the environment.

• To foster an atmosphere where children feel enthusiasm and responsibility for work and self-directed play.

• To provide ample opportunity to relate to the natural world and to the people and work of the town around us.

• To provide meaningful activities where process is more important than product.

• To support the child's imaginative life and inner spirituality through story, song and celebration.

• To be supportive of parents, encouraging growth and involvement, and honest communication.