At Portledge, we believe in the gift of childhood! Guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of Early Childhood Education, we respect children’s right to play, to discover, to collaborate, to construct, and to experience joyful learning. We are inspired by the spark in their eyes, huge smiles, warm embraces, exuberant moments, and the curiosity that children bring to school every day. Our Early Childhood program is designed around children and our units of study are influenced by the student’s interests, questions, and passions.

The classroom and specials teachers collaborate to offer children a range of deep, meaningful learning opportunities. We understand that children thrive when they feel safe, loved, understand the routine and structure of the day, and when they are given space to explore, experiment, and wonder.

When your child becomes a Portledge student, your child will;

• experience joyful learning. Learning should be fun and engaging and we strive to create meaningful learning opportunities while introducing children to the outdoors, art studio, science lab, drama, music, and library.
• benefit from small class sizes in an intimate and family-like setting.
• develop deep and lasting friendships that positively shape childhood. Portledge is a community where children are accepted for who they are. Children tend to embrace each other here. The teachers help facilitate relationships and model our pillars of kindness, purpose, honor, and respect. They promote skills such as sharing, communication, and productive feedback.
• play and learn outdoors as often as possible. Our 63-acre campus is our second classroom and lends itself to natural exploration and learning.
• feel safe and cared for. Our teachers are passionate about Early Childhood Education and they will care deeply for your child. They receive continued training in social-emotional learning including The RULER Approach and Mindfulness. Safety is a priority at Portledge and our security personnel greets families at the entrance of campus and the Lower School Building.
• participate in and be welcomed into a warm school community that includes assemblies, plays, musical performances, and art shows. They will interact with older children who are eager to play with them in the classroom or read a story to the class.

Within the Portledge Early Childhood program, you can expect:

• a robust curriculum and program that is designed to fully prepare your child for Kindergarten and beyond. Our students not only learn the basic skills and knowledge they will need for elementary school success, but they also develop independence, social skills, and problem-solving skills that build the foundation for life success.
• teachers who are invested in your child’s well being and growth. Your child will be known by all the adults in the building, administrators, specials teachers, nurse, and cafeteria staff.
• teachers that will actively partner with you to guide your child on a path of purposeful learning. The teachers will take the time to get to know your family, and your child including their interests, strengths, challenges, fears, and hopes. As a parent, you will receive three report cards a year, two scheduled parent-teacher conferences a year, and documentation of a child’s learning and growth.

How an Italian Approach to Early Childhood Education Inspired Teaching & Learning at Portledge School.

by Leigh Farrell & Katie Henry '99