Younger
children enrolling at Sunset Mesa have a choice between
the Early
Childhood or MontessoriProgram for
their preschool years. The curriculum in each program is
carefully aligned so that children in both programs are well
prepared for the outstanding Sunset Mesa Elementary program.
The choice is yours; each program has its strengths and children
may experience both during a campus visit.
The Sunset Mesa
Preschool is located in a beautiful new facility
and includes eight classrooms along with before and after school daycare. The
bright and open playground has many areas for the children to enjoy. The
newest outside addition is a children’s garden and outside classroom environment
where children can experience gardening and explore nature.
In the Early Childhood
Program, teachers
design activities which foster healthy social skills
and encourage academic success through developmentally
appropriate challenges. The importance of children
learning through play is carefully designed into the
program. Under the guidance of nurturing, positive
teachers, children are given numerous opportunities
to construct their learning through open-ended activities. One
of the goals is to help the children develop the discipline
to learn, mature and enjoy.
In the Montessori Program,
children develop independence, determination and concentration
as they interact with materials designed to stimulate
the "inner
urge" of the child to learn. Socially, they develop the respect and discipline
to share materials and to help each other as they learn side by side. Each teacher
is a certified Montessori instructor and brings to the program the traditional
Montessori philosophies enhanced with current educational practices that advance
the goals of the Sunset Mesa Preschool program.