Children's Choice Preschool was found in 1976 and quickly grew to include kindergarten and primary grades through upper elementary and is now part of McDowell Elementary. Greg and Phyllis Cygan purchased McDowell and Children's Choice Preschool in 2002.
Classes remain small and intimate, with a fully renovated playground which includes Astroturf along with stimulating age appropriate play areas and a fun riding track. The school remains focused on upholding the sense of family on the campus with a strong parent support organization and teachers and staff who average over 9 years with the school.
Preschool is offered for 3-5 year olds on a 2-day, 3-day or 5-day option from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Lunch Bunch is available every day from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for preschoolers to stay and eat lunch on campus. This hour allows time for children to socialize with their peers and have an additional playtime.
Children's Choice Preschool is NAEYC accredited and is a Blue Ribbon School.
The Springside Chestnut Hill Academy is a private educational institution serving children in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. It provides same-sex education in the elementary and middle school departments and a co-ed high school department. The curriculum is rigorous and fun as kids are involved in hands-on learning for all subjects, including art, design, robotics, technology and foreign language.
Pluralistic School One, or PS1, is a private, independent, non-profit elementary school for students in Kindergarten through sixth grade. It was founded in 1971, and serves slightly over 200 students. It offers a well-rounded core curriculum with music, art, physical education and service learning opportunities. Each class room at PS1 has a two year age range and two lead teachers. The value of pluralism refers to the school's emphasis on respecting and developing the individual passions, interests and talents of each student.
Palm Harbor Montessori opened in 1983 after founder Christine Varkas realized there were no Montessori schools in the area. Varkas specifically wanted her children to attend a Montessori school. Varkas is a certified Montessori educator with advanced degrees and specialist credentials in education.
The campus is located on a large wooded property with multiple buildings. The campus allows children to learn in indoor and outdoor environments.
Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs offers a unique education to students between the ages of two and 15. Based on the principle that teaching should work with the nature of a child and not against it, the academy offers tutoring in reading, math, science and physical education and programs in a variety of disciplines, including art, music, cooking, gardening and dance. The academy has beautifully appointed classrooms, a walled garden with fish pond and waterfall, grape arbor, tiered vegetable garden and a butterfly garden.
