Frankford Friends School - Early Childhood Center at Fishtown
Our Program: Child-centered and Play-based
We believe that children learn best through purpose and play, in a diverse community of teachers and peers where everyone belongs.
Our Preschool classrooms are vibrant, nurturing environments designed to cultivate a love for learning among our early learners.
Our curriculum introduces age-appropriate academic, social, and emotional skills through the channels of discovery, exploration, and imaginative play. This approach supports each child's individual growth and encourages the development of their independence. In our carefully crafted learning environment, children are empowered to make their own choices. This environment includes a variety of teaching methods such as whole-class, individual, and small-group lessons and activities, centers for specific learning experiences, free time for exploration, and ample opportunities for indoor and outdoor play. Through these experiences, children learn the significance of friendship and respect, ultimately cultivating the qualities of a caring and responsible community member.
Key skills, including active listening, understanding and expressing their feelings, self-regulation, compromise, and collaboration, are not only taught but also actively practiced. These skills empower children with strategies to navigate their social world effectively. We place a strong emphasis on community building, which starts with our daily Morning Meeting, aligning with the principles of the Responsive Classroom approach. This morning gathering reinforces the emerging sense of self while fostering a sense of community. Through various community-building activities, students learn to take responsibility, encourage learning from one another, and establish relationships that will continue to grow throughout their time at FFS.
In addition to these core elements, our students have the opportunity to engage in various enriching experiences throughout the week. They explore the arts, utilize our library, participate in physical education, and practice mindfulness and movement activities. These experiences contribute to their well-rounded development and provide a holistic foundation for their educational journey.
