...start the adventure...
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The Pre-oneer program at Pioneer Springs is a mixed-age experience of exploration and play with a focus on promoting independence, supporting a student's unique interests and desire to learn, and fostering a sense of one's place in the larger community and the natural environment. The program is shaped by Ernest Boyer's Basic School philosophy and the Reggio Emilia approach, both of which include a heavy emphasis on student-centered instruction, nature immersion, and play. The program is consistent with the core values of Pioneer Springs' mission, most especially the commitment to a holistic education. The Pre-oneer program is housed on the scenic Pioneer Springs campus, over 11 acres of green space, two certified wildlife habitats, multiple gardens, two outdoor amphi-theaters, a low-ropes course and zip lines, and pond with walking trail.
The Pre-oneer program at Pioneer Springs is a mixed-age experience of exploration and play with a focus on promoting independence, supporting a student's unique interests and desire to learn, and fostering a sense of one's place in the larger community and the natural environment. The program is shaped by Ernest Boyer's Basic School philosophy and the Reggio Emilia approach, both of which include a heavy emphasis on student-centered instruction, nature immersion, and play. The program is consistent with the core values of Pioneer Springs' mission, most especially the commitment to a holistic education. The Pre-oneer program is housed on the scenic Pioneer Springs campus, over 11 acres of green space, two certified wildlife habitats, multiple gardens, two outdoor amphi-theaters, a low-ropes course and zip lines, and pond with walking trail.
Questions & Answers
- What time is the program? The program begins at 9am and students are picked up at 1pm each day in the Barn driveway.
- Where is the program? Pre-oneers are housed in the Cottage, a feature of the Davis House property. The Cottage includes two large bathrooms, a large instructional space, a private gated garden, adjacent play space, and easy access to the Davis House play yard. Monthly informational tours will be available beginning June, 2022.
- What about the yearly calendar? The program runs parallel to the the Pioneer Springs Community School calendar with a few differences. See the 2021-22 calendar here.
- What does the daily schedule look like? The daily experience may include outdoor play, student-choice centers, nature exploration, art & music & theater (oh my!), group games, and numbers and stories, all bookended by morning and afternoon circles.
- How do I apply? Use the application button at the top of the page. Because there is limited seating, an application does not guarantee enrollment and seats will generally be filled based on a first-come, first-serve basis with preferential seating given to current PSCS staff members.
- What are the fees? The Pre-oneer program is tuition-based which can be paid on a monthly basis. In addition, annual application and supply fees are collected. Fees are used to compensate staff and cover instructional materials and supplies for the year. Please contact the school about financial assistance. Fees include:
- 3 days/ week monthly fee is $300
- 5 days/ week monthly fee is $485
- $50 annual supply fee
- $100 registration fee (to be paid after enrollment is confirmed).
- Are there options for before and after school care? Yes! B & A care is open to 4 and 5 year olds with limited seating from 8-9am and 1-3:30pm respectively. Monthly morning care fees are $120 (3 days)-- $200 (5 days) and afternoon care is $200 (days) -- $400 (5 days)
Take it outside.Playing in the dirt, walking around the pond, tending a garden.....being outside is essential to the Pre-oneer experience. We support students in fostering a relationship with the natural world, including spending time outside on a daily basis, rain or shine.
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THE TEAM
Rachel LarkinRachel is from Connecticut and was raised by two naval officers. She attended Ithaca College and majored in English, minored in Art History and Classical Studies and holds a Masters in Childhood Education. Rachel plays many instruments and speaks multiple languages. She LOVES drawing, reading, baseball and animals. She also loves finding a quiet, untouched place in nature to experience being present in the moment. Keeping her and her husband, Nathan, very busy at home is her energetic, joyful son, Merrick Sean. Contact:
rachell@pioneersprings.org |
Molly McDonaldMolly is originally from snowy Buffalo, NY, where she started her love for adventure at a young age. . Molly’s family absolutely loves the beach, sun and mountains that the Charlotte area has to offer. Molly has been a member of the Pioneer Springs Community for several years, serving as both an associate teacher and flex personnel in recent years. Her natural effervescence and love for children is evident on a daily basis. When she's not sharing her gifts on our campus she off a new adventures with her husband, Dave, two sons Sean and William, and dog Barney. Contact:
mollym@pioneersprings.org |
Elaine HILLElaine was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and raised in the mountains of North Carolina. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and has a Master’s in English Linguistics with a passion for all things psychology and brain science. She is the author of two published collections of poetry and performs and teaches writing through a non-profit founded in the Charlotte area. She loves being outdoors and going on adventures with her two daughters, Kate and Josie. Her favorite thing to do when not playing with children is to escape into the woods with a notebook and recite poetry as loudly as possible to the trees. Elaine enjoys dance, reading, writing, yoga, and soccer. Contact: elaineh@pioneersprings.org
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Daniela HufnaglDaniela has been in a Preschool setting for 9 years. She finished her Early Childhood Development Certificate at the Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte NC and did her practicum at the Children's Schoolhouse in Huntersville NC in 2013.
Daniela loves spending time with her family outdoors and especially enjoys riding horses together with her daughter. She loves travelling to her home country in Austria every summer where she grew up to visit her close family and friends. Contact: danielah@pioneersprings.org |
