...start the adventure...
The PreOneer 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 PreOneer 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. 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 at Pioneer Springs.
The PreOneers lottery was held on March 1. If you are interested in being added to our waitlist, please click the link above
and you'll be notified of an opening on a first come/first served basis.
and you'll be notified of an opening on a first come/first served basis.
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. 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:
[email protected] |
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:
[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. Contact: [email protected] |
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: [email protected] |
