Experiences during the first five years of life are extremely important in influencing each child’s eventual intellectual and personal development. Annsworth Academy dedicates its efforts to providing a happy, safe, and enriched environment to nurture the intellectual, physical, and emotional growth of all of the children placed in our care. We provide experiences for children to explore their environment, to learn to work effectively within a group, and to develop independence and self-control. The attitudes and behaviors we model all influence the children’s development and gives them a feeling of self-confidence.
All races, cultures, and backgrounds are equally valued and welcomed into our school. We strive to build a sense of the group as a community. Our goal is for every child to feel accepted and gain a sense of belonging at Annsworth.
Our teachers provide a solid educational program for the students. Setting goals for our children that include developing skills for creative thinking, problem solving, and taking responsibility that help them learn to live within our society. We provide a curriculum of weekly units with various topics relating to seasons, holidays, and the world around us. Experiences in math, language arts, science, social studies, creative movement, art, and music are offered daily during their circle and center times. By bringing to the children new, relevant, and exciting materials, with “hands on” experiences, the teachers guide the children into an exciting new world. The professional growth of our staff is assured by continuing professional courses, in-house training, teacher’s meetings, and curriculum development.
The Annsworth classrooms are designed to accommodate a variety of centers including Construction, Dramatic Play, Literacy, Sensory, Manipulatives, Art, etc. This play based center approach allows the children to make choices, develop social skills, practice fine and gross motor skills, and develop cognitive skills, as they learn to work together and to care for their environment.
Our playgrounds provide a safe environment for physical education, exploration, and play to help children develop motor and cognitive skills. An appropriate level of fitness can lead to a more confident outlook, emotional stability, and better mental and physical health in general.
We believe that ongoing communication between the parent and the staff is crucial to a positive experience for all of our families. Ideas and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged. To keep our families informed about events and activities at Annsworth, we print a monthly calendar and newsletter, the teachers post their lesson plans along with other pertinent information on the classroom parent bulletin board, and they also write a note each day on the wipe off board in the classroom. Each classroom has a Parent – Teacher notebook for special notes to the teachers.
Developmental goals are posted each month so skills can be practiced both at home and school. An individual goal report form is completed and sent home regularly. Pre-Kindergarten teachers complete a comprehensive Progress Report twice each year.
Annsworth has an “Open Door” policy and encourages parent volunteerism and participation at every level. The advantages of the unique learning opportunities that volunteers bring to the classrooms benefit the children immensely.