Philosophy

To teach children to wonder, play, question, explore, discover and learn together while developing the habits of mind that assure superior success in school and in the 21st century as engaged and productive citizens.

The Hundred Acre School will engage students in active learning and preparation for success in school using Heritage’s collections, facilities, and gardens. We will teach the whole child, emphasizing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) as a springboard to multidisciplinary learning.

We will use the natural world as our classroom, connecting children to the wonders of science through the use of its tools and processes. Using technology, observation, discovery, self-directed learning, and respect for the inherent ability to learn in all children, we will provide a stimulating learning environment, access to professionals in the STEM field as role models and coaches, and opportunities for families to be continuously involved in their child’s learning and success. Our students will be inspired to direct their own learning, prepared to succeed in school and in life-long learning, and taught to be creative problem solvers and productive citizens.

• To emphasize individual social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development, so that each child will develop to his or her fullest potential
• To integrate STEM tools with exploration of the natural world
• To create proficiency in early literacy and STEM skills and to foster an appreciation for the arts
• To promote a high level of preparation for elementary grades and to lay strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, arts and sciences to assure future school success
• To encourage parental involvement with their child’s education, a key to academic success
• To partner with educational experts to assure teaching excellence
• To offer learning focused on exploration and inquiry, which promotes high-level thinking and reasoning skills

• Nature center/museum environment that provides unique indoor and outdoor museum resources, including collections and outdoor learning areas such as the Hidden Hollow nature laboratory
• A secure, private, and beautiful learning environment celebrating 49 years as an educational center
• Clean, updated and light-filled classrooms in a secure wing of one of our Gallery buildings
• Highly trained, educated, and vetted faculty with expertise in early childhood education PreK – Grade 2
• Individual attention to child health, safety, and academics
• Outdoor play areas (both public and private) that encourage child-centered learning that teaches 21^st century skills
• Family events and programs at Heritage