Growing through Play and Possibility
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our Preschool and Kindergarten program nurtures each child’s natural curiosity and creativity through play-based, hands-on exploration. Children are encouraged to ask questions, investigate ideas, and express themselves in a supportive environment that values their unique voices. With caring teachers, thoughtfully designed spaces, and daily connections to nature, our youngest learners build confidence, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning.
Child-Led Project Work
At TCS, even our youngest learners take the lead in their own learning through student-driven project work. Preschooler and Kindergarten students choose topics that spark their curiosity, then dive deep—asking questions, researching, and becoming experts on their subject. The children partner with local professionals to connect their work to the real world and make a meaningful impact.
Past project work has included building a playground obstacle course, designing marble run kits for the community, and creating a camera studio.
Kindergarten Marble Run Project
Kindergarten Marble Run Project
Our Kindergarten class embarked on a hands‑on marble run project inspired by children’s curiosity and guided by Reggio Emilia principles. Using recycled tubes, wooden blocks, and classroom materials, they designed, built, and refined marble runs—discovering physics through play while collaborating as a community.
What They Did:
– Designed and constructed marble tracks using cardboard tubes, wood, and recycled materials
– Tested angles, slopes, and structures to observe gravity, motion, and engineering concepts
– Worked in small teams to share ideas, problem-solve, and refine their designs
– Created instructions and kits as a class project to share their learning with the larger school community
Nature as Teacher
In our Early Childhood program, the natural world is a vital part of each child’s day. Whether digging in the mud kitchen, climbing on logs, or taking a walk through the woods, children learn through movement, exploration, and wonder—both on our main campus and at our 28-acre LaBarque outdoor classroom.
Outdoor experiences help young children:
• Build confidence through safe, age-appropriate risk-taking
• Strengthen sensory and motor development in dynamic, open-ended environments
• Develop resilience and independence as they navigate the world around them
• Foster a deep sense of curiosity, joy, and connection with nature
Creative Expression and Movement
In our Early Childhood program, students visit Specialist teachers each week to explore the many ways they can express themselves and engage with the world. Rooted in the Reggio-inspired belief in the “Hundred Languages of Children,” these experiences invite creativity, movement, and joyful discovery.
Specialist classes include:
• Art – exploring color, texture, and imagination through various materials
• Music – building rhythm, voice, and a love of sound
• Drama – storytelling, role play, and building confidence
• Spanish – early exposure to language through songs and play
• Physical Education – movement, coordination, and teamwork
• Greenhouse – hands-on gardening, observation, and connection to nature
Atelier
Atelier is the French word for art studio. At The College School, our Atelier serves as the artistic hub for children’s experiences in Preschool and Kindergarten. A vital part of every Reggio Emilia program, the Atelier contains a wide range of media and materials that foster creativity and learning through exploration, creation, cognition, and reflection. The College School Atelier is equipped with easels, paints, drawing materials, clay, wire, collage objects, and a multitude of natural and recycled materials.
Ready to Learn More? Schedule a Tour Today.