The Early Learning Program PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten

School Hours

Students attend school on Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 11:45 for PK3 and PK4, and from 8:30 to 2:00 for Kindergarten. Extended care is available before and after school for an additional charge.

Instructional Philosophy

The Early Learning Program of The Heritage School is based on the premise that children learn in developmentally appropriate ways and should be taught as such. We believe that early exposure to information and ideas is important. We stress, however, that exposure is the key word. We further believe that children learn through a variety of methods and experiences. We understand that young children learn through play and social interaction. We recognize that children possess a curiosity about the world around them and that this curiosity invites learning and comprehension at different levels. A child's natural intelligence provides a forum for instruction and mastery; therefore, material should be presented at a variety of times and through a variety of methods throughout the curriculum so that a child is exposed to information at a time when he/she is most receptive. Our teaching represents a determined dedication to these premises.

Staff

In addition to their classroom teacher, students in the PK3 and PK4 program have specialized teachers in music, physical education, science, and library. In Kindergarten, students have specialized teachers in art, music, physical education, science, library, and foreign language.

Facility

The Heritage Early Learning Program is housed in a stand-alone facility located on the southern end of the campus. In addition to classrooms, the Early Learning Center has a kindergym, music room, and separate playground facilities designed exclusively for the 3, 4, and 5-year-olds. The Extended Care program is based in this building also, and makes extensive use of a covered play area, picnic tables, garden areas, and the beautiful wooded setting.

Admissions

The Heritage School welcomes applications without regard to race, color, creed, or national origin. Due to limited space availability, it is recommended that applications to the Early Learning Program be received early in the fall of the year proceeding the fall of matriculation. Appointments for parents to observe in the ELC are scheduled from October 1st through the middle of May. For an appointment to view the program, please contact the Admissions Office at 770-253-9898.

Application: All applicants must submit a completed application form, with a $50.00 non-refundable application fee. To fill out an application, click below.

Reference Forms: After the application is received all applicants to PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten will be mailed two application reference forms, which should be filled out by a teacher, coach, babysitter, or other non-family evaluator. Ideally, these forms should be returned to the Admissions Office by January 1.

Observations/testing: All families applying to the Early Leaning Center will be contacted in January to schedule a time for their child to come and visit in the classroom. This observation is required for all applicants to PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten. Kindergarten applicants will also be tested during their classroom visit. Parents are encouraged to set up an appointment to meet with the Heritage Headmaster, on the day of their child's observation.

Notification: PK3 applicants are notified regarding acceptance in mid-February, PK4 applicants are notified in early March, and Kindergarten applicants are notified in early April.