Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten

Overview: Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten
Begin With The End In Mind
There is universal acknowledgment that the early years of formal education are crucial in the development of skills and attitudes that are conducive to high level achievement later in life. The Elgin Academy Preschool was founded in 1999 with a clear and strong understanding of the prime importance of a strong beginning.

Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum
[Download Curriculum in PDF format]
Our approach to curriculum is not complex. We are constantly seeking to provide children with opportunities to find learning joyful. Our approach is integrated and holistic – we seek to provide developmental opportunities not only in cognitive areas but also in the social, emotional and physical aspects of the child's growth. Our philosophy includes an enduring respect for developing the individuality, creativity and self-esteem of each child. Material presented to children will at all times be developmentally appropriate.

While rote learning of concepts (the alphabet, counting etc.) is possible, meaningful learning does not take place for young children unless the information presented is relevant to the child's experience and development. If learning is relevant, children are highly likely to be motivated and persistent. The child's initiative comes from a natural curiosity about the world.

Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Faculty
The Elgin Academy Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten faculty are a well trained, experienced and highly motivated group of professionals. The Academy's program will be staffed by educators who not only have a strong background in early education, but who also hold a minimum of a Bachelors degree from a recognized college or university. [Faculty Directory]

“When children come to school for the first time they are so excited -- they love learning. You can't help but be excited by their excitement for learning".

- Mary Hannert
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Program Director

Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Admission Process

The Academy Admission Office recommends that Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten applications be completed in January and February for the upcoming Fall Semester. Application materials are available by contacting the Admission Office at 847.695.0303. Early application is strongly recommended. Prospective students and their parents will be invited to attend one of two Saturday programs in January and February. A one and a half-hour visit (8:30-10:00 a.m.) to the Preschool or Pre-Kindergarten is required for applicants who did not attend a Saturday program. Late applicants with completed files will be given wait-list status and notified of the first available opening.

Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Program Days and Hours
The Academy believes that young children are highly capable, naturally curious and have tremendous stamina when intellectually engaged. We have designed our programs with this understanding of children in mind.

Half day 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Full day 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment Options:

Two half days (PS only)
Two full days (PS only)
Three half days (PS and Pre-Kindergarten)
Three full days (PS and Pre-Kindergarten)
Five half days (PS and Pre-Kindergarten)
Five full days (PS and Pre-Kindergarten)

Preschool
Children who will have their third birthday prior to September 1 will be eligible to apply for the Preschool program.

Pre-Kindergarten
Children who will have their fourth birthday prior to September 1 will be eligible to apply for the Pre-K program.

Tuition and Fees
Parents are asked to make a non-refundable deposit upon acceptance into the program (deposit amount is then deducted from the tuition balance).
Details and Related links: Tuition and Fees | Payment Options

The Next Step
Inquiries after March 1st should call the Admission Office at 847.695.0303 to schedule a visit. The Admission Office will gladly answer any additional questions you may have about the program. On-campus Saturday morning Admission Receptions for prospective Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten families will be held each January and February for admission consideration for the following academic year.

Reserve a spot for yourself and your child (PS and Pre-Kindergarten only) at either of these Saturday Morning Open Houses designed specifically for Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten students applying for admission for the following academic year.

Note: The January and February Admission Open Houses are also intended for parents (only) of students applying for Kindergarten. To schedule a class visit/screening for Kindergarten applicants, please call or e-mail the Admission Office at 847.695.0303. Kindergarten applicant visits are scheduled for mornings only from 8:30-11:30 am.

January and February 2007 PS-PK Open Houses (details)
9:00 - 11:30 am
- by phone at 847.695.0303
- by e-mail at info@elginacademy.org

Admission Applications (PDF format)
The following applications are available for downloading in PDF format. Simply click on the appropriate link below, print out the application, then mail the completed application directly to EA's Admission Office.
- Preschool (Must be 3 years old prior to September 1)
- Pre-Kindergarten (Must be 4 years old prior to September 1)
- Kindergarten (Must be 5 years old prior to September 1)

For additional information on EA's Early Childhood Education Program, please contact:

Mary Hannert
Early Childhood Program Director and Pre-K Teacher
847.695.0309, ext. 255
mhannert@elginacademy.org

PS and PK School Hours:
8:30 am - 2:30 pm on school days