Outdoor explorations. Studio creations. And yes, some messy hands along the way. In the MVS early childhood school, students become inquisitive, courageous investigators with the support of expert faculty.
The MVS early childhood school curriculum incorporates the best of various educational philosophies, including Responsive Classroom, Reggio Emilia, and Montessori, to develop curriculum that is based on the children’s interests. Students are surrounded by a team of supportive, seasoned teachers who are dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where a child’s learning and imagination take flight.
The Miami Valley School early childhood school is one division of The Miami Valley School, Dayton’s #1-ranked school serving students in grades PreK-12.
Website: www.miamivalleyschool.org/
Address: 5151 Denise Drive, Dayton, OH 45429
Phone: (937) 434-4444
Q&A with The Miami Valley School:Â
What is The Miami Valley School’s age/grade range?
The MVS Early Childhood School includes Junior Pre-Kindergarten (usually age 3), Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten. Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students have a full-day schedule from 8:05 a.m.-3:05 p.m. Junior Pre-Kindergarten students may enroll for full or half-day school.
What is The Miami Valley School’s educational philosophy?
The MVS early childhood school curriculum incorporates the best of various educational philosophies, including Responsive Classroom, Reggio Emilia, and Montessori, while giving attention to Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences to develop curriculum that is based on the children’s interests. Experienced faculty adhere to developmentally appropriate practices to support self-guided, investigative, immersive learning.
What is your enrollment policy? Are there any key dates parents should be aware of?
Applications must be submitted by February 1 for priority consideration. After that date, accepted students will be placed in a waitpool if there are no openings. Early childhood school applicants should be 3, 4, or 5 years old, depending on the grade, by the first day of school in mid-August, and students must be toilet-trained by the first day of school. Applicants with birthdays between mid-August and September 30 will be considered and may be accepted if they are ready academically, socially, emotionally, and developmentally. More information available at miamivalleyschool.org/admissions.
What are the standard school day hours? Does The Miami Valley School offer flexible day/hour options? Is before/after school care available?
A full-day schedule runs from 8:05-3:05. The half-day Junior Pre-Kindergarten runs from 8:05-11:30. After-school care is available by reservation only from 3:05-6:00.
How many children are in each class? How are children divided up up?
The MVS early childhood school (grades JPK-K) has a total of approximately 85 students. In the pre-kindergarten grades, sections are typically 12 students with 2 teachers. In kindergarten, classes of up to 18 students are taught with 2 teachers per section.
What is the teacher/child ratio?
Approximately 1:6.
How much time do the children spend outside?
Outdoor explorations are a major part of the early childhood school curriculum! Full-day EC students enjoy multiple recesses over the course of the day, and all EC grades have a playground specifically designed for their use. In addition to outdoor recreation, EC students are able to take advantage of MVS’ outdoor education center, including the Zorniger Environmental Laboratory greenhouse and gardens, bird blind, and pond.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Yes, students must be potty-trained to attend the MVS early childhood school.
What enrichment programs/activities are offered?
MVS early childhood school students enjoy art classes, Spanish classes, physical education classes, library time, Friends and Caring workshops with the school counselor, and gardening in the Zorniger Environmental Laboratory.
What are The Miami Valley School’s safety policies?Â
The Miami Valley School provides an integrated approach to campus safety and takes extra precautions for early childhood school students. For a comprehensive look at MVS campus safety, visit bit.ly/MVS_Safety.
Who should parents contact for more information about The Miami Valley School?
Contact Anne Dettmer, Director of Enrollment Management, at [email protected], or visit miamivalleyschool.org/admissions
