Neighborhood Schoolhouse Programs

The Neighborhood Schoolhouse is a state-approved independent school, under
section 16 V.S.A. Our most recent reapproval application and visitation
occurred in September 2003 and is valid for up to five years.

A Typical Day at the Neighborhood Schoolhouse

The Neighborhood Schoolhouse educates students from ages three to eleven. We offer a licensed preschool and pre-kindergarten, as well as state-approved kindergarten, primary, and elementary programs. We also offer creative before- and after-school care programs, which are available to extend the day for all students.

Common threads run throughout all Neighborhood Schoolhouse programs. Teachers build instruction around thematic units that integrate all subject areas to the extent possible. Similarly, all programs use the seven domains of the Work Sampling system as a framework for assessment -- Personal and Social Development, Language and Literacy, Mathematical Thinking, Scientific Thinking, Social Studies, The Arts, and Physical Development. Finally, the social curriculum has an important place in all classrooms, with adults modeling and guiding social skill development.

For ages three to five. (8:30 - noon)
Preschool days are filled with games, songs, shared stories, dramatic play and hands-on activities. Everything in the preschool, from the set-up of the room to the flow of the day, encourages children to explore their world, express themselves creatively, and learn to coexist peacefully. Our preschool is licensed by the state of Vermont. The program runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon and is led by a head teacher and an assistant teacher. Full enrollment is 21 students, 14 on any given day. There are 7 students in the 5-morning program, 7 in the 3-morning program (Wednesday-Friday) and 7 in the 2-morning program (Monday and Tuesday).

For ages four to five. (8:30 - 1:00)
Unique to the Neighborhood Schoolhouse, this program is for preschoolers who are prepared for a more academic emphasis in their daily routine. Students will be admitted based on classroom readiness, as well as age. Students should be at least 4 by April 1 preceding fall enrollment. Maximum enrollment of 10 students. This is a five-morning program only. Please note: Our pre-kindergarten program is not a substitute for kindergarten. Pre-kindergartners will go on to kindergarten in the following year.

For ages five and six. (8:30 - 1:00)
Our kindergartners enjoy an exciting program filled with social play time, physical challenges, and early math and literacy activities. The program is housed in a large, open space with the pre-k program, and the two groups often share work times and units of study. While the two co-teachers of the Pre-K/K programs team-teach, one focuses her energy specifically on the Kindergarten group. Full enrollment in the Kindergarten program is 12 students (possibly more with an assistant), and students leave at 1:00.

For ages six to eight. (8:30 - 3:00)
Primary studies utilize the natural inquisitiveness and enthusiasm of young children, often building upon an interest that arises within the group. The teachers integrate a great deal of art and physical challenges into their thematic studies, to address the needs of the whole child. Literacy and early math skills play a critical role in these early years as well, and we use a variety of evaluative tools to support student learning and assure that basic skills are mastered. Full enrollment for the Primary program is 12 to 14 students. There are two co-teachers in the Primary/Elementary program, one who works predominantly with the 6-8 year olds.

For ages eight to eleven. (8:30 - 3:00)
Walking into the elementary area, one is likely to see students working independently at a variety of learning centers, sharing their writing at an author's circle, or engaging in a cooperative group simulation. The day is structured to allow for student choice, with age/ability expectations clearly established. A key goal of this program is to help students develop the skills and responsibility they need to become independent learners. Homework enhances this goal and helps forge the important connection between home and school. Full enrollment for the Elementary program is 12-14 students. While the two co-teachers of the primary/elementary program frequently team-teach, one focuses her energy specifically on the elementary group.

Before- and After-School Care

For all ages, as needed. (7:30 - 8:30 and noon - 4:30)
The Before- and After-School Care programs are available to extend the day for children in all school programs. BSC and ASC offer valuable social and creative experiences for students, as well as support for gross motor needs with indoor and outdoor play time. Both BSC and ASC can be used on either a regular, contracted basis or drop-in, as needed. BSC is offered starting at 7:30 a.m. until school begins at 8:30. ASC is available from noon to 4:30 p.m, with preschoolers joining at noon, pre-k and kindergartners at 1:00 and primary/elementary students at 3:00. There is one head teacher and an assistant for the program, which can accommodate a maximum enrollment of 14-15 students.

The fees for ASC include a registration fee of $25 and hourly rates of:
Contracted: $2.50/half-hour; $4.00/hour
Drop-in: $3.00 /half-hour; $4.50/hour

The fees for BSC include a registration fee of $10 and flat fee of $4.00/morning or $4.50/morming for drop-ins.

Before and After-School care are only available on school days and will be cancelled when school is cancelled due to weather. Care might be offered over school vacation weeks, but is not guaranteed. Care is not offered over summer vacation.

In addition to our regular classroom program, the Neighborhood Schoolhouse encourages special programming, including but not limited to those outlined below.

Teachers are encouraged to take their classes on field trips that enhance the curriculum. Parents sign a general release form that gives permission for all trips.

On Tuesdays, students enjoy vocal music classes. On Wednesdays, we begin the day with an All-School Sing, at which parents are encouraged to join us.

Students in the preschool, pre-k and kindergarten programs have movement classes at least once each week. On Thursday afternoons, students in the Primary and Elementary programs go to the gym at the Gibson Aiken Center for Physical Education

For five weeks in January and February we have a winter sports program for primary/elementary students. On Tuesday afternoons students may either downhill ski, cross-country ski, or snowshoe. On Thursday afternoons students enjoy ice skating at a nearby rink..

In the fall we do two all-school hikes; in the spring we do one.

In the spring, the primary/elementary classes participate in an all-school overnight camping trip. Kindergarten participates during the day. Pre-K/Preschool are not involved in the camping trip.

During the course of the year, there are several special events that we celebrate each year. Individual classrooms may plan additional events as well.

This meeting generally happens on the first Sunday of the school year. While children play outdoors, parents gather briefly with the principal and then visit their child's classroom. We then share in a potluck meal, as a whole community.

This special day takes place on the Friday of Columbus Day weekend. We welcome all grandparents and/or special friends to visit classrooms with students

This event takes place in late October and offers parents an opportunity to meet with teachers for a more in-depth look at curriculum.

On the Monday before Thanksgiving, we join together to rededicate our peace pole, enjoy an all-school sing, and share a light meal together.

In February, we invite parents and children to an evening of sharing in the classrooms, in which students share their favorite activities and work.

On the very last day of school, we have an evening ceremony. It includes music performances, celebration of all students and graduation ceremonies.