Day School Curriculum
Our curriculum emphasizes developmentally appropriate approaches to learning, focusing on a child’s social, emotional, cognitive, language, physical, and spiritual growth. Classrooms incorporate a combination of play-based, child-directed active learning as well as traditional teacher-directed activities. A variety of teaching methods and learning environments allow each child to feel supported with his/her preferred learning style, abilities, and skill set.
The educational content is based on carefully planned units of study or “themes.” Teachers meet monthly to write, plan and evaluate the curriculum. The learning themes and activities are designed to be fun and engaging, with the goal of creating lifelong learners and creative problem solvers. Children are given the opportunity to use their imagination and creativity in a challenging environment promoting socialization, exploration, and discovery.
Enrichment Programs
The Day School offers specific enrichment opportunities throughout the week focusing on Music, Science, Spanish, Physical Education/Movement, and Faith Formation.
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Science
The Science curriculum engages toddlers through five-year-olds, sparking curiosity about the world around them while strengthening early problem-solving skills. Children explore the scientific method through hands-on experiments, data collection, and drawing their own conclusions, fostering both critical thinking and a love of discovery.
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Spanish
Spanish language and Hispanic culture are woven into the curriculum for toddlers through five-year-olds. Children are introduced to age-appropriate Spanish phrases and key fundamentals such as counting and colors. Using all five senses, weekly classes make learning Spanish fun, engaging, and interactive, fostering both language development and cultural awareness.
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PEP (Physical Education for Preschoolers)
The Physical Education Program (PEP) begins with our toddlers and continues through all age groups, offering children opportunities to develop their large muscle groups through active movement. Activities emphasize rhythm, balance, creative dance, and a variety of physical skills. PEP includes both structured movement and free play, held on our spacious, large and small playgrounds. For inclement weather, a designated indoor space ensures children can continue to enjoy active play in a safe and engaging environment.
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Christian Faith Formation
We provide children with weekly opportunities for worship, prayer, religious celebration, and hands-on faith formation. Two- through five-year-old classes gather for weekly worship in the Day School Chapel, while all classrooms incorporate prayer throughout the day. Each December, our four- and five-year-olds participate in the Day School’s Christmas Lessons and Carols service. In addition, three- through five-year-old classes visit the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium twice a month. This Montessori-based approach to faith formation nurtures each child’s natural sense of wonder, using hands-on, age-appropriate materials to explore Jesus’s teachings and the seasons of the church.
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Community Service
Classrooms visit the IPC Food Pantry to learn the importance of helping our neighbors in need. Each November, the Day School also plays a key role in supporting IPC’s annual Harvest for Hunger campaign.
Optional Morning/Afternoon Extracurricular Activities
We have several outside extracurricular activities children can participate in before and after school for a small fee. Extracurricular activities do not meet when school is not in session.
