Philosophy

It is recognized through educational research that the influences in a child's early life markedly affect his/her capacity to develop and learn. In order for a child's inborn curiosity to be nurtured, his/her environment must offer stimulation and support through an emotional climate of love. The Good Samaritan Academy believes that the best resource for such an environment is one arising from the love of Christ. It is from this belief that much concern will be devoted to the development of a Christian atmosphere wherein each child may feel his sense of innate value and worth. To accomplish the optimum educational experience for our children, we will encourage close relationships between the staff, parents and children. Every opportunity will be maximized to achieve a strong support system so that every child feels a bond between his/her home, school and faith.

Good Samaritan Academy will provide a well-balanced program that includes both teacher-directed and child initiated activities, quiet as well as active experiences. We will offer a theme-based curriculum that is a developmentally appropriate, exciting, fun-filled experience. It will follow the seasons, nature, animals, holidays and many other interesting topics about the world around us. A theme such as "Safety" will include songs, finger play, art, story time and discussions related to safety. Logical thinking, problem solving, accepting responsibility and social interaction are skills that will be emphasized.

Additionally, Good Samaritan will offer a daily time of Bible story and song for all the children. Another unique opportunity will be the inclusion of instruction in the areas of dance and music as part of the regular weekly curriculum.

Our (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program will include all of those experiences, including a full language arts and phonics program. There will be computers in all of the VPK classrooms, which is necessary to prepare the children for a successful kindergarten year.

All religions, races, sexes and cultures are equally valued and welcomed into the Good Samaritan Academy. We will build a sense of unity, bringing each child's culture, language and/or special needs into the shared culture of the school, so that each child will feel accepted. We will help the children learn to respect, value and have tolerance for individual, cultural, ethnic and racial diversity.

Our playground will provide a safe environment for physical education, an integral part of our program. An appropriate level of fitness can lead to a more confident outlook, emotional stability and better mental health in general.

Teachers will provide effective curriculum, classroom practices, and teaching strategies that connect with young children's interests and abilities, and that promote positive development and learning. Teachers will integrate into their curriculum plan a variety of "hands on" activities and projects with traditional disciplines such as literacy, math and science while continuing to address social, emotional, physical and creative development. Meaningful communication between the parent and teachers is welcomed and encouraged.

Good Samaritan Academy will provide significant expansion of professional development for our teachers. This is essential if all early childhood teachers are to gain the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to implement early learning standards.

The parents of Good Samaritan Academy will provide lunches for their children and we will provide a morning and afternoon snack. The child's teacher will support the parent's wise food choices and encourage the children to try and enjoy the foods that are sent. Sweets will be offered only after the main entrée is eaten. Parents will be given a guide to help them in choosing recommended amounts for a healthy lunch.

Good Samaritan will offer extracurricular activities such as age appropriate outdoor games, music, dance and Playball. They will be offered to parents at an additional cost above regular tuition.

The first years of life are critical for later outcomes. Young children have an innate desire to learn. That desire can be supported or undermined by early experiences. High-quality early childhood education can promote intellectual, language, physical, social, and emotional development, creating school readiness and building a foundation for later academic and social competence. By defining the desired content and outcomes of young children's education, early learning standards can lead to greater opportunities for positive development and learning in these early years.