Education Guide

CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL

The Campus at Kids First

We have FULL DAY Kindergarten! Located inside the nationally acclaimed Kids First Sports Center, The Campus offers the premier early learning experience for children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten. As the only early learning center in the area that makes physical education a top priority, The Campus at Kids First gives your child an academic edge by integrating a world class physical education (including gymnastics, basketball, yoga and soccer!) curriculum in to the daily schedule, at NO additional cost! Our carefully selected and loving teachers utilize a relevancebased curriculum combined with child-directed play to make learning FUN and start each child on their journey to becoming a life-long learner. • 7900 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249, theCampusKF.com, Phone: (513) 629-KIDS, Email: info@theCampusKF.com

Chai Tots Early Childhood Center

Academic excellence via a unique blend of Jewish and Montessori education offering strong academics, stressing life skills, interpersonal relationship skills and nurturing a love for life-long learning. Individualized curriculum customized for each student, expansive naturally lit rooms, low student ratio. Specials include yoga, music, Hebrew, Spanish, dance, drama, art and Tae Kwon Do. Flexible schedules, before and aftercare, web cams and after-school enrichment available. Transportation available to/from Mason schools. Limited space - now enrolling! • 7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, Phone: (513) 234-0600, ChaiTots.com, Ages/ Grades: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten (6 weeks-6 years), Enrollment: 60

Creative Tots, Mason

Our holistic approach allows children (18 months - 5 1/2 years) the opportunity to learn, explore, play and grow while engaging in the fine arts, science, music, yoga and a modernized curriculum. We provide opportunities to use creativity, solve problems, use language, develop new vocabulary and reading skills, while engaging in intellectual activities. There are elements of STEAM education, bilingual education, arts education, as well as lots of physical activities to strengthen the mind and body. • 6408 Thornberry Ct., Mason, OH 45040, Contact: Emilie Parry, Phone: 513-770-6776, Email: creativetotsmason@gmail.com, creativetotsmason.com, Grades: Toddler: 18 months-3 yrs, Preschool: 3-4 yrs; Pre-K: 4-5 yrs

MONTESSORI

Central Montessori Academy

At Central Montessori Academy, children from toddler (18 months) - 6th grade are taught by Montessori-trained teachers in environments that cultivate their natural love for learning. Children learn and develop self-confidence, personal creativity, grace & courtesy, and entrepreneurial spirit at their own pace, building self-esteem, while being taught as individuals. We offer extended day programs for both before and after-school. Call today to schedule a tour! • 1904 Springdale Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45231, Phone: (513) 742-5800,

centralmontessoriacademy.com

Little Sprouts Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten

Little Sprouts Montessori nurtures the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of children, helping them develop a lifetime love of learning. Our goal is to empower children to discover and hone their strengths as they explore the world. We recognize the importance of individualized education, and maintain a 1:6 ratio. • 7131 Plainfield Road, Deer Park, OH 45236, Contact: Christie Sawyer, Phone: 513-697-9021, Email: csawyer@ leavesoflearning.org, little-sprouts.org, Grades: Preschool & Kindergarten, Enrollment: Families choose mornings two to four days per week (T/TH and/or W/F), and/or afternoon sessions on Tuesday and Thursday.

Mercy Montessori Center

Mercy Montessori is Cincinnati's first Catholic Montessori elementary school and provides students with a personalized education. Mercy offers a sliding scale tuition model, in-school swimming instruction starting at age three, and attracts students from over 60 zip codes. Mercy educates the whole child and develops a strong foundation for learning. • 2335 Grandview Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206, Contact: Amanda Grimm, Admissions Director, Phone: (513) 475-6700 ext. 210, Email: agrimm@ mercymontessori.org, mercymontessori.org, Grades: Preschool - 8th Grade, Enrollment: 296

The New School Montessori

Cincinnati's only school accredited by the American Montessori Society. Centrally located and surrounded by wooded play yards and gardens, students benefit from a nurturing environment where Montessoricredentialed staff support high academic and personal achievement. Full-day, half-day with healthy lunches included in tuition. ISACS and AMS accredited program. • 3 Burton Woods

Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Contact: Ceara Comstock, Phone: (513) 281-7999, Email: ceara.c@newschoolmontessori.com, newschool montessori.com, Grades: 3-year-olds through Grade 6, Enrollment: 144

NON–PUBLIC

Bishop Leibold School

When you join the Bishop Leibold Family, you join a community of students and families, a caring staff, and three parishes dedicated to providing your child with an excellent Christ-centered education. We serve students in preschool (3 years old) through eighth grade! Contact us today to learn more. • 6666 N Springboro Pike Dayton, OH 45449 | 24 S. Third St. Miamisburg, OH 45342, 937-434-9343 | 937-866-3021,

bishopleibold.org

Cincinnati Christian Schools

CCS has been creating lifelong learners, creative thinkers, passionate disciples, and visionary leaders for over 40 years. Our graduates are welcomed at universities because they’ve become the natural learners and inquisitive students that God created them to be. CCS knows that faith and learning go hand-in-hand. Outstanding. Proven. • Elementary Campus: 7350 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, OH, 45014, Junior/Senior High Campus: 7474 Morris Rd., Fairfield, OH, 45011, (513) 892-8500, Contact: Peggy Head, Director of Admissions, Email: peggyhead@ cincinnatichristian.org, cincinnatichristian. org, Grades: PS - 12

Creative World of Montessori

Creative World of Montessori focuses on the comprehensive education of students from age 3 to 12th grade throughout the Dayton region and the greater Miami Valley area. Designed to ignite a passion for learning while developing important life skills, Montessori education at Creative World of Montessori encourages active learning and helps build a well rounded, engaged student. We have locations in Miamisburg, Beavercreek, and Centerville. We also have preschools and learning center programs across the Miami Valley. • 6833 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, Ohio 45459, Phone: (866) 866-7339, Inspirechildren.com

Guardian Angels School

Guardian Angels School provides students in preschool through eighth grade with a faith-filled experience focused on academic excellence, whole child education, and attention to each child’s unique learning needs. As a school, we push all of our students to earn their HALO through being Honest, Accountable, and a Leader to Others. • 6539 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati 45230, Contact: Mr. Corey Stoops, Principal, Phone: 513-624-3141, gaschool.org, Grades: Preschool - Grade 8

St. Helen School

Welcome to St. Helen where an amazing sense of community leads to academic excellence! Every day we strive to build character by living virtuously. Our ministry to model Catholic morals, values, and traditions while providing a structured, nurturing environment for each student to grow spiritually, academically, and emotionally. Our focus on faith formation and academic excellence prepares students to be life-long learners. A community that celebrates diversity, we welcome families all over the Miami Valley including military families from WPAFB. • 5086 Burkhardt Road Riverside, OH 45431, Phone: (937) 256.1761, sainthelenschool.org

The Summit Country Day School

Founded in 1890, The Summit serves students from 18 months to Grade 12. Full- and half-day Montessori programs for ages 18 months-age 6 begin the academic journey followed by a college-preparatory program (Grades 1-12). The Summit educates students spiritually, academically, physically, socially and artistically while offering the academic excellence and one-on-one guidance of a top-tier Catholic independent school. • 2161 Grandin Road (Hyde Park), Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: 513-871-4700, ext. 261, Email: pearl_e@ summitcds.org, summitcds.org

SPECIAL NEEDS

Springer School and Center

For 50 years, Springer School and Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives. Springer offers a day school for students ages 6-14 and outreach programs and learning disability resources for students, parents and teachers in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Springer Experience. Success Starts Here. • 2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Jill Wieging, Associate Admissions Director, Phone: 513 871-6080 ext. 211, Fax: 513-871-6428, Email: jwieging@springer-ld.org, springer-LD.org, Grades: 1 through 8, Enrollment: 200

BE PART OF OUR MONTHLY GUIDE

FITTING IN FITNESS

WHEN YOU HAVE KIDS

It might feel challenging to find time to exercise, but it’s important to make time for self-care.

WORDS BY LINDSAY CONNER

WITH CHILDREN AT HOME — ESPECIALLY YOUNG KIDS — IT’S DIFFICULT TO FIND TIME TO FIT IN WORKOUTS. BUT IT’S POSSIBLE TO MAKE TIME FOR YOUR HEALTH! HERE ARE SOME EASY, CREATIVE WAYS TO REACH YOUR FITNESS GOALS AND BE A GREAT PARENT AT THE SAME TIME.

Make it a Family Affair Instead of sneaking off to the gym, why not get your kids involved in planning a fun family workout? Use exercise cards or dice to create a workout with jumping jacks, burpees, mountain climbers, pretend jump rope, plank contests, crunches and sit-ups. If possible, plan the workout at a specific time and make it a part of your daily routine. After your workout, hydrate and consider healthy meal prep!

Some of the best cardio workouts can happen while interacting with your children. “Make it fun and include the kids,” suggests Colleen O’Connell, owner and instructor of FIT4MOM Central Cincinnati. “Cardio exercise doesn’t need to be 20 minutes on a treadmill or a Peloton. You can get your heart rate up playing tag or a sport with your little one. Put some music on and have a dance party with your family. If you have a really little one, put them in the stroller and go for walks or runs.” Find Accountability One of the most important factors in sticking with a fitness plan is finding accountability. Call a friend to workout with and invite them over once or twice a week. A group exercise class can provide you with camaraderie to stick with your goals year-round. For instance, morning stroller fitness classes offer a great way to exercise with your little one while also meeting other new parents and bonding with your baby.

Don’t forget about fitness classes at the Y! If you hold a Family Membership, the YMCA of Greater Dayton offers free Child Watch services for kids ages 6 weeks to 9 years old while their parent uses the gym. The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati provides a Kids Club to children while their parent works out or attends a class. If you're a new mom, a personal trainer who is knowledgeable about proper workouts and form can help you with postpartum recovery.

Set Goals and Rewards Want to make time for fitness? Writing down your goals is a powerful way to attain them! You can motivate yourself by setting healthy rewards. For example, if you complete a 3-mile run, you can book a massage. Or if you squat your goal weight, treat yourself to new shoes. Make it simple, fun and for you! Not only will you benefit, but your family will have the healthiest, happiest mom possible.

“Schedule it just like you would a doctor’s appointment,” O’Connell says. “Exercise is important for your physical health but also your mental and emotional health.” You have to take care of yourself so you can take care of your little ones. Prioritize making time for fitness. This time every day will help you stay fit, healthy and refreshed to give your family the very best of yourself.

Break it Up You do not have to do a workout at one time, but if you break it up and do 5 minutes just 6 times a day, that's 30 minutes of working out. Exercise doesn’t need to be complicated—adding more intentional movement throughout the day and weeks add up. “When you're on the floor playing with your little one, hold a plank,” O’Connell suggests. “Add some extra lunges or squats when you're bending down to pick up toys or some bicep curls with those heavy grocery bags when you’re bringing them in.” Naptime can also be a great time to fit in a workout at home when you have young children. You don't need fancy machines or weights. All you need is your body and a few minutes throughout the day to make a difference in your physical and mental health.

Wake Up Early Setting an alarm to exercise before the kids wake up is a great motivator. Why not get up early and get in your workout before the kids are out of bed? This gives you an opportunity to take care of yourself before you have to take care of everyone else! There is a great sense of accomplishment when you've gotten up and been productive and cared for yourself first.

“I always tell people to do what you can, when you can, where you can, and give yourself grace,” O’Connell recommends. “Parenting demands a lot from us and requires us to be flexible for the constantly changing needs of our workload and season of life.”