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Preschool

At The School in Rose Valley, our preschool program offers a nurturing, engaging, and supportive environment where young children thrive. We believe each child deserves a learning experience that encourages curiosity, independence, and a strong sense of community. Our program celebrates the joy of learning, helping children explore their interests, develop essential skills, and build meaningful relationships with peers and teachers.

Each day unfolds through children’s curiosity and imagination—whether they’re setting up a post office to exchange letters with friends across classrooms, opening a class-wide store inspired by their curiosity about how people trade and exchange goods, or strengthening fine motor skills through sewing projects sparked by their interest in creating their own stuffed animals. Guided by teachers who listen closely and build on children’s ideas, learning at SRV is active, joyful, and deeply connected to the world around them.

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Multiple students in their preschool class during the day at the School in Rose Valley

Multiple students playing in the dirt during outside time at the school in Rose Valley PA

A student at the School in Rose Valley during wood shop class building a bird house.

Curiosity is Our Curriculum

Our emergent, play-based curriculum grows from the ideas and questions that arise in children’s daily experiences. Teachers observe closely, listen deeply, and design opportunities that extend children’s thinking—inviting them to explore, problem-solve, and make meaning together. Foundational skills in literacy, math, and social learning emerge naturally through this process, grounded in authentic contexts that matter to children.

Specialist teachers in Wellness, Woodshop, Music, Art, Science, French, and Theater work in partnership with classroom teachers, bringing their disciplines into the flow of classroom life. Their presence enriches the children’s investigations, adding new materials, perspectives, and ways of expressing ideas. This collaborative, integrated approach honors the whole child—nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a lasting sense of joy in learning.

Preschool Curriculum

Enrollment Options

To be eligible for our Preschool program, children must be at least 2 years, 7 months old prior to the first day of the school year, and be able to use the bathroom and attend to hygiene needs independently.

We offer flexible enrollment options to accommodate different family needs:

5 Full Days
5 Half Days
3 Full Days & 2 Half Days

Full Day (includes lunch): 8:15 AM – 3:00 PM, with early drop-off available as early as 7:30 AM. Our SRV After 3 Program extends care until 6:00 PM.
Half Day (does not include lunch): 8:15 AM – 11:45 AM, perfect for families seeking a shorter school day while still offering a rich and immersive educational experience.

What Sets Our Preschool Program Apart

SRV’s Preschool program is grounded in a progressive education philosophy, which means learning is hands-on, student-centered, and integrated across various developmental domains. From academic foundations to social skills, each day is filled with opportunities to create, explore, and grow.

Holistic Development: Our curriculum addresses the whole child by incorporating social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth into daily activities. We understand that early childhood development is interconnected, and we support each area with care and intention.
Play-Based Learning: Play is at the heart of our approach. Through open-ended, imaginative, and collaborative play, children make sense of the world, test ideas, and express their creativity. Teachers observe and join in thoughtfully, helping extend children’s thinking and connect their play to new discoveries. Whether they’re painting, building, or exploring nature on our wooded campus, every experience nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Community and Belonging: We prioritize creating a welcoming community where children feel valued and connected. Each classroom is a small, close-knit community where children practice cooperation, empathy, and respect.

Farm-to-Fork Food Program: Children in our Full Day program enjoy a nutritious lunch prepared on-site, incorporating fresh produce from our sustainable garden and local farms. We provide healthy snacks every morning and afternoon, reinforcing healthy eating habits as part of our holistic approach to child development. To learn more about our Farm-to-Fork Food & Education Program, click here.

Some of Our Preschool Teachers

Erin Thack

Erin has a B.S. in Education from Temple University and a M.Ed in Education from Saint Joseph’s University. She holds a preschool through 8th grade certification in Pennsylvania as well as her certification in reading. Erin worked in the Rose...

Maureen McHugh

Maureen has been teaching at SRV for more than 2 decades. Before becoming a lead teacher here, she worked in a variety of early childhood settings serving diverse populations where she developed her passion for progressive education. As she acquired,...

Rebecca Tyler

Rebecca joined the preschool teaching team in the Fall of 2023. In her classroom, Rebecca intertwines her personal passions of nature, harmony, and creativity with a teaching pedagogy rooted in exploration, responsiveness, and playfulness. Her additional teaching experiences include being...

Kindergarten

Kindergarten at SRV blends play with academic discovery, helping children develop critical thinking, collaboration, and a love for learning. Students engage in a balanced curriculum that supports their growth across all developmental areas.

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Primary Circle

The Primary Circle offers a child-centered approach where young learners explore academics through hands-on activities and play. With personalized attention, students build strong foundations in reading, math, science, and social-emotional skills.

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Middle Circle

In Middle Circle, our program offers new challenges designed to inspire enthusiasm and deep exploration of subjects, while encouraging students to pursue their individual interests. The curriculum emphasizes independence and collaboration within a supportive community.

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Oldest Group

The Oldest Group program emphasizes leadership development and deepens academic knowledge. The curriculum focuses on building strong self-advocacy skills, critical thinking abilities, and a commitment to community involvement.

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Preschool

Curiosity is Our Curriculum

Enrollment Options

What Sets Our Preschool Program Apart

Some of Our Preschool Teachers

Erin Thack

Maureen McHugh

Rebecca Tyler

Kindergarten

Primary Circle

Middle Circle

Oldest Group

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