Finding the right preschool for your child can take some time, research and thought. I recently visited Flagstaff Academy Preschool and thought if I shared what I learned, it might make your decision a little less complicated.
Flagstaff Preschool is in its 10th year and I’ll tell you, they are knocking it out of the park! They are a part of the larger K-8th grade Flagstaff Academy STEM school, which affords them perks that many preschools don’t have access to. Patty Quinn is their knowledgeable preschool director, and she took the time to sit down and chat with me about Flagstaff.
Patty began by sharing that Flagstaff’s primary goal in preschool is to focus on children’s social/emotional development. Studies show that this emphasis helps prepare children for academic success. They learn to identify their feelings, work on the beginnings of self-regulating them and learn to resolve conflict with their peers. I know some adults that could use these skills!
Whether your child is already spouting Einstein’s Theory of Relativity or having challenges with small motor skills, Flagstaff covers a wide range of learning abilities. I saw first hand how their teachers work with children one on one and in small groups. You know, I half expected to walk into mass chaos, after all they are preschoolers.. Not even close, it was calm and peaceful, much to my surprise! A few children were working with a teacher at a table, a few others were being guided by another teacher at a sensory station, one group played with large foam blocks and all seemed completely engaged in whatever they were doing. One little girl chose to sit in a canopied chair that was in the quiet corner. She appeared quite content!
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It’s not just the children who are well supported at Flagstaff, but the parents too. This January, they will host a 5 session series on Love and Logic for parents. Patty said that they’re there to support their parents as much as the children. Teachers also meet with parents one on one and address any concerns as they arise. She said it’s a group effort and working together helps the children, parents and the teachers!
Flagstaff Preschool is proud to have achieved a Level 5 from Colorado Shines. Colorado Shines is a quality rating and improvement system for all of Colorado’s licensed early learning programs. They are the only Level 5 preschool in SVVSD AND BVSD! Congratulations Flagstaff! What does this mean to you? Beyond being fully licensed, they have gone above and beyond by using Best Practices when it comes to safety, cleanliness and staff training. Their teachers consistently participate in staff development which keeps their skills fresh and of course, benefits your child.
Here are a few questions you may have;
1. Do I have to use the Driveline?! Nope! They plan preschool hours around the K-8 driveline. Morning sessions are 8:30-11:20 and afternoon, 12:20-3:10.
2. What are the perks of being a part of Flagstaff Academy?
*The incredible Greenhouse out back is a huge perk! Inside you’ll find native plants, fish and a great teacher to guide your children, Pre-K - 8th grade!
*Access to gym equipment, balance beam, balls and the like.
*A full science lab, which is really fun when they’re watching little chicks hatch.
*The Library Media Center comes to visit weekly
*Priority acceptance into Flagstaff Kindergarten
*Multi-cultural and Family Oriented
3. Are there any extracurricular activities offered? Yes, there are. Spanish; taught by Kena of Ollin Farms (I hear this sometimes includes a visit to the farm!), Nutrition; taught by Jodie Popma, who heads up school Harvest Days around town, and Music (shown in photo) with Musicare; which explores music, instruments, rhythm, and sound.
Flagstaff Preschool accepts children beginning at 3 years old. They have a variety of class days and times, to work with your schedule and your child's.
If you’d like to schedule a tour, contact Patty Quinn at pquinn@flagstaffacademy.org. Tell her you read about Flagstaff in Macaroni Kid!
While you're here, check out a few of our helpful seasonal guides!
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