...start the adventure...
The PreOneer program is a private pre-K program hosted on the historic Pioneer Springs campus. It 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. Of note, PreOneers is a separate entity from Pioneer Springs Community School; it is not part of the school nor do PreOneer participants get automatic enrollment or enrollment preference at Pioneer Springs. Have questions? Please email our PreOneers Director, Molly McDonald, at [email protected].
The PreOneers lottery will be held in March 2026 and participants will be notified of their status within 24 hours.
Questions & Answers
- Do you have a parent handbook? Yes, you can read it here.
- 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? PreOneers 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.
- What about the yearly calendar? The program runs parallel to the the Pioneer Springs Community School calendar with a few differences. See the 2024-25 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 enrollment button at the top of the page. Because there is limited seating, registration does not guarantee enrollment and seats will be filled via a lottery, with preferential seating given to current PSCS staff members. When spots become available, they will be filled on a first come first serve basis based on our waitlist from the lottery.
- What are the fees? The PreOneer 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. 2025-26 fees include:
- 3 days/ week monthly fee is $325
- 5 days/ week monthly fee is $515
- $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 $150 (3 days) to $225 (5 days) and afternoon care is $250 ( 3 days) -- $425 (5 days)
- PREONEERS PARENT TOURS: We will be holding PreK tours after class hours. If you would like to see our wonderful corner of campus, Please email Ms. Molly at [email protected].
- EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Have an interest in working with fantastic kids and being part of a team? We have part-time team Associate Teaching positions to join our wonderful team and work with PreK (ages 3, 4, and 5's). If you love all things PreK including art, outdoor play, and bringing high energy and positivity to your day, we’d love to meet you!
For more information please email Molly McDonald at [email protected].
Take it outside.Playing in the dirt, walking around the pond, tending a garden.....being outside is essential to the PreOneer 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
Molly McDonaldMolly serves as the PreOneer Coordinator. She 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:
[email protected] |
Kim TaylorKim is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. Her mother is a special education teacher, and it was while Kim was aiding her mother in this role that she first discovered a passion for helping others. Over the years, Kim has tried to explore this passion through a large variety of different jobs, ranging all of the way from a barista to a nanny for two young children. Today, she is attending CPCC in pursuit of a degree in Criminal Justice, which she hopes to use to help those in need and to be a guide for at-risk youth. Outside of the classroom, Kim loves to cook! She also enjoys spending time with her very large dog, who is a Newfoundland aptly named Bear. In the evenings, you can usually find Kim unwinding by watching a movie or playing video games, the latter of which is actually how she met her boyfriend that she has been with for over 3 years! Kim usually picks one new skill to learn per year; this year, she is learning how to sew, cross stitch, and crochet.
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Kendal GreenoKendal began her Early Childhood Education journey 17 years ago in sunny Southern California. After exploring a few other adventurous career paths, she found her way back to what she loves most—working with our next generation. Pioneer Springs Community School reignited that passion, and she happily put down roots in the PreOneers program for the 2025–2026 school year.
When she’s not in the classroom, Kendal can be found spending time with her two young children and caring for a lively crew of rescue animals. She strives each day to create a warm, welcoming space where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. |
