WILLOWS

At Connecticut Friends School, the classrooms are set up with various developmentally enriching “Centers” around the room. These are enhanced with inviting provocations which are inspired by and set out for our curious Friends to discover each day. In addition to ample outside time, snack time*, and story time, children immerse themselves as they wish in this classroom setting. Learning-through-play opportunities abound in the Block Center, Writing Center, Dramatic Play Center, the Library, Manipulatives, Sensory Table, Parts of Things, the Science Center, and Art. Emotional learning is also emphasized as children learn to name and honor their feelings, peacefully navigate conflict and respect and value others.

Our teachers nurture each child’s strengths and interests, with a focus on instilling confidence; fostering academic, social, and emotional development; and cultivating a lasting love of learning.

Our students spend time each day outdoors exploring, learning, and playing together on our tree-covered playground, garden, outdoor classroom and around our 5-acre wooded campus.

For all details on the year’s tuition and enrollment options, please see our Application for Admissions.

* Healthy snacks are provided daily and included in the cost of tuition.

FOCUSES:

• A gentle first school experience, children engage in art, story time, music, and movement (among other experiences) while simultaneously learning how to navigate socially, verbalize feelings, share, take turns and be a part of a community. With careful observation, teachers expand on projects or introduce new ones to encourage each child’s unique interests and gifts.

• Fostering emotional development, language skills, fine and gross motor skills, creative thinking, problem solving and confidence serves as the foundation of all activities within our program.

STUDENT / TEACHER RATIO: 4:1

DAILY SCHEDULE
Willows students can enroll for two, three, four, or five mornings per week from 9am to 12pm with extended day options.
9:00 – 9:30 – Arrival
9:30 – 10:15 – Play in Playground or Gym
10:15 – 10:45 – Snack & Story time
10:45 - 11:30 – Projects/Meeting Time
11:30 – 12:00 – Playground
12:00 - Dismissal
12:00 – 1:00 – Lunch Time (lunch bunch)
1:00 – 2:00 – Outdoors/Playground (extended day)
2:00 – 3:00 – Project/Choice Time (extended day)