The Williamsburg Northside Preschool encourages the development of the whole child. WNP focuses on both self-initiated and teacher facilitated activities to enrich each child’s classroom experience. The overall curriculum is presented through the use of projects and themes within which each child has the opportunity to explore concepts and ideas in depth. Our integrated, holistic approach specifically engages the child in lively and creative activities to enhance developmentally appropriate pre-academic skills.

Each of the skill areas are targeted through the use of different centers (learning and play areas) that are set up in the classroom according to developmentally appropriate practice. These centers include: art, listening, dramatic play, writing, library, discovery, sensory tables, blocks (construction and design) computer and manipulatives. Typical activities include block construction and design, sand and water play, dramatic play, language arts activities, art experiences with paint, clay and other media, cooking, story time, creative movement, computer, music, outdoor play and trips within the community. The goals of each center are reached through small group, large group, one-one-one and solitary exploration.

As a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool, WNP is committed to encouraging the development of the whole child within a lively, stimulating, and nurturing environment. As we have looked for unique ways to cultivate exciting classroom schedules and an intelligent curriculum, the administration and teaching staff at WNP have committed to the negotiated curriculum involved in the Reggio Emilia inspired approach. Based on the Reggio Emilia philosophy your children’s learning experiences at WNP will be motivated by their interests, which will take shape in project form. Through projects the teachers support children’s learning by providing rich experiences through the use of natural materials and project research. The core of the curriculum includes a balance of self-initiated, spontaneous play and teacher facilitated activities with a rich assortment of materials and plenty of opportunities for interacting with peers. An integrated holistic approach fosters the most productive development of the nursery and preschool child and lays a foundation for academic learning. We believe that the foundation of a stimulating learning experience is based in having choices in activities and rich sensory experiences. 

Curriculum Information for the Elementary School can be found in our curriculum guide. Please click here to browse through WNS Curriculum Guide.