Our Programs

Our preschool is based on several different teaching methods that have been proven successful for decades: Reggio Emilia, Wild School, Montessori and Active Learning, all of which give children choices in what they learn and how they learn it, while incorporating plenty of cognitive, creative, sensory, physical, and social activity. We recognize there is value in learning from a traditional standpoint, as long as it is not the only way, all day, every day. We have “table time” classroom activities where we learn to sit and focus on tasks such as reading and writing as a group.

Themes and lessons are designed to inspire curiosity, spark imagination, and build skills needed for future success all in a hands-on, active, play-based environment. Curiosity, problem solving, self-sufficiency, and exploration are always encouraged. Activities are planned to include art, music, science, language, dramatic play, early math concepts, loose parts and tinkering, outdoor activities, and lots of books.

Additionally, some of the most important skills to learn in these preschool years revolve around social and emotional development, and we strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can be themselves, learn according to their own interests and abilities, and feel secure, smart, successful and important.

The Great Wide Open believes that our teaching approach and philosophy should not end with preschool. In fact, self-agency is even more critical in the elementary school years. To go from the freedom to explore and learn naturally into an environment of conformity often results in a loss of learning interest and capability. Our homeschool support program aims to continue to nurture the natural learner in children as their cognitive and emotional intelligence matures.

This program allows parents to select home-schooling as an option without having to facilitate their children’s day-to-day activities and learning process. Parents will be required to register themselves as a home-school and select the appropriate grade-level curriculum for their child (with our guidance, if necessary), and provide weekly activities and assignments as outlined in their selected curriculum. The Great Wide Open will facilitate those activities, as well as peripheral enrichment activities. The Great Wide Open plans to develop enrichment programs that include agriculture and gardening, field biology, farm animal care, art and drama, carpentry, and more.