Bush Hill Day School, Alexandria

Our school is a supplement to the home and a place where the young child can feel cared for, protected, and secure. A stimulating environment for learning is created, an environment in which the child has an opportunity to develop a sense of achievement and self-worth. Sharing with others and caring for them is emphasized and encouraged. The relationship between child and teacher is one of loving acceptance. Respect for others is carefully nurtured.

Classes are offered for 2, 3 and 4-year-old children, and for 4-year-olds who have turned 5. Those 3- and 4-year-olds who have reached the appropriate birthday by September 30 of the current year are eligible to enroll. The cut-off birthday for 2-year-olds is June 30. Two-year-old children may attend two mornings; 2 1/2-year-olds may attend two or three mornings; 3-year-old children may attend two or three mornings; and 4-year-olds may attend three or five mornings per week.

Our Day School provides a warm, friendly, and FUN environment on a daily basis. All of our classes are blessed with Honorary Grandmothers, retired ladies in our church who enjoy spending time with our children on a regular basis. In addition to our daily scheduled activities, highlights throughout the year include Lunch Bunch (offered once a week), Day School Sunday, firefighters visiting the school, Dad's Day, Santa visiting the school and Breakfast with Santa, Christmas pageant, Dr. Seuss' birthday, Simply Science (six-week after-school Enrichment Program offered to our 4-year-olds), Ice Cream Social, Wacky Wednesday and Topsy Turvy Thursday, professional storytellers, Mother's Day, graduation, end-of-year-picnic, and our optional Lunch Box School (eight days of school in June). Our children and teachers have a “ton of fun” together throughout the school year!

Ample time is provided for directed free play in which children choose the activity in which they wish to participate. Social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and getting along with others are stressed. Opportunities are provided for the children to express themselves creatively in play, art, drama, and rhythms. The curriculum is designed to develop the visual and auditory skills necessary for a firm foundation in reading and number readiness. A well-planned curriculum leads children into a wide range of subject matter that challenges their capabilities and allows them opportunities to discover and explore.

Christian nurture occurs in daily experiences in the classroom. Children learn forgiveness by being forgiven; they learn trust by finding adults to be trustworthy and fair; and they learn God's love through persons who are loving and accepting. Prayers before snack are learned in each class. The four-year-old classes attend a regular Chapel service. Chapel contributes to the children's understanding of themselves as a part of God's world. When chapel is held, everyone in the group participates without exception.