PORTLAND, Ore. - (Business Wire) Imagine a preschool where learning about organic foods and solar energy is considered as valuable as early reading and writing skills. Where locally sourced organic produce and dairy products are served in a welcoming learning environment filled with natural light, sustainable products and filtered air and water. The Grove School™, a new preschool opening in Plano, Texas, and Cary, N.C., in January 2010, offers curriculum, nutrition and a sense of community that reflect the guiding principles behind its healthy mind, body and planet philosophy.
After extensive research, a group of professionals with more than 35 years of expertise in early childhood education discovered that many parents nationwide were seeking a new kind of preschool experience. They were searching for a preschool that incorporates traditional curriculum as well as a social purpose and healthy lifestyle education into daily activities, offering a high-quality and well-rounded education.
The Grove School will immerse children ages 2 to 5 in extraordinary educational opportunities for a lifetime of learning and connection with their community, while also preparing them for the traditional structure and concepts presented in elementary schools, including arts, math and science. This unique curriculum offers children a head start on understanding today’s evolving world.
The schools will open with teams of experienced and passionate teachers with degrees and credentials in early childhood education or environmental education, to engage students in a research-based curriculum that will help them meet key development milestones. The Grove School children will be encouraged to learn through play and become aware of the components of a healthy lifestyle and environment.
As numerous studies have shown, an inviting and stimulating environment is the atmosphere children learn best in. The Grove School children will spend their days in a bright, clean building filled with sustainable products and organic food. The unique curriculum will offer a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, from gardening to practicing yoga, that model healthy behavior, grow strong bodies and teach children how to make a positive, lasting impact on the environment.
Building lasting relationships with parents and their children is also a core commitment for The Grove School team. The teachers will be in constant contact with parents through frequent in-person meetings and online through email, The Grove School Web site and Twitter account. Parents will be encouraged to share their experiences and knowledge on the school’s interactive Web site. The schools will offer a new place for parents to join together with other like-minded families in their area – becoming an updated version of a community center.
The Grove School Point of View
The Grove School sense of purpose is as healthy for the mind and body as it is for the planet. The school approaches education comprehensively, encompassing the following facets:
- Educational Excellence: The Grove School has developed a research-based curriculum that helps children meet key development milestones in preparation for elementary school. Through this curriculum, a strong emphasis is placed on both traditional academic subjects and hands-on thematic explorations that encourage a healthy mind, body and planet.
- Sense of Purpose: Organic foods, gardening and sustainable products are part of The Grove School learning environment. Children learn why these things are good for their minds, bodies and planet through daily activities and lesson plans. Natural light brightens the classrooms to improve concentration while conserving energy. Sustainable building and playground materials are safe for children and reduce environmental impact.
- Community: The Grove School brings together a community of people committed to making a difference. Everyone is encouraged to dig in, share knowledge and build lasting relationships.
Quotes from The Grove School Executives:
“We are very excited to see our vision for a holistic preschool education come to life,” said Ty Durekas, president, The Grove School. “We know that experienced teachers, a sustainable learning environment and research-based curriculum are most important to parents when they choose a preschool, and we are pleased to offer The Grove School as an ideal solution for parents and children in the Plano, Texas, and Cary, N.C., areas.”
“The Grove School is bringing a new kind of knowledge to children. It is important that today’s children grow into adults who understand what it means to take care of themselves as well as their community and environment today and tomorrow,” said Megan Riede, director of program development. “Through experiencing this unique curriculum, it will become second nature for these children to think about their impact on the Earth and living a healthy lifestyle.”
What the terms “organic” and “sustainable” mean to us:
Organic: Due to children’s and infants’ smaller size, increased metabolism, and less varied diet, organic food can offer protection against their greater vulnerability to potential health and developmental damage from pesticides and other chemicals used in traditional farming. Through an on-site garden and organic meals and snacks, The Grove School children will be able to observe and eat local, organic agriculture.
Sustainable: We’ve strategically designed The Grove School to help preserve the environment and fulfill the needs of our communities while keeping the needs of future generations in mind. We’ve accomplished this in several ways, including incorporating natural, sustainably harvested products and water and energy conservation measures throughout the facility.
With this experience and knowledge, The Grove School hopes to prepare children to support a healthy and safe planet for present and future generations.
About The Grove School
The Grove School™, opening January 2010, immerses children ages 2 to 5 years old in extraordinary educational opportunities that nourish a lifelong healthy mind and body while connecting them more fully with the world around them. With a research-based curriculum and socially conscious learning environment and activities, The Grove School offers a fresh approach to preschool education. The school is currently located in Plano, Texas, and Cary, N.C., with plans to expand to additional communities in 2010.
The Grove School is now accepting applications for admissions. Learn more and ask questions at www.groveschool.com.
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Edelman
Brooke Dale, 503-471-6822
Brooke.dale@edelman.com
